Hitters struggle to catch up to his high velocity, which currently ranks in the 97th percentile according to Baseball Savant, while he tunnels the splitter and sweeper off it. His high velocity and strong late movement leading to a 39.2% whiff rate.
Philadelphia was ecstatic with what they saw from Duran in his first year in the City of Brotherly Love, as he posted a 0.919 WHIP, with a 27 K/BB ratio. The Phillies had found a reliable, consistent, and dominant arm to solidify the ninth-inning for years to come.
In 2026, it’s been more of the same for the Dominican closer. He currently sports a 1.42 ERA and is seeing a career-best in many categories. Duran is striking out 14.92 hitters per nine, which is the fifth-highest mark among relievers with at least 10 innings pitched, and he is allowing just 5.7 hits per nine. Those are the best marks of his career.
Duran has given up more hard contact thus far compared to previous seasons, but a lot of it has been on the ground, as he is among the highest ground ball percentage pitchers in all of baseball (62.5%, fourth among relievers).
Despite missing some time due to injury, the Phillies star has a 0.7 fWAR in just 12.2 innings of work. The advanced numbers echo his elite performance, as he sports a 0.98 FIP, with an incredible 304 ERA+.
The acquisition of a closer like Duran does not just improve the outlook of the ninth inning for Philadelphia, it allows the Phillies to have more defined roles and certainty for their leverage relievers. Players like Orion Kerkering, Brad Keller, and Jose Alvarado know their role as setup men as opposed to being thrown into the closer role for random periods of time.
What It Means in October
Another reason for excitement was Duran’s postseason performance. Albeit just three appearances, he showed poise and confidence that led the Phillies to believe he will be a shutdown closer for them in their quest to finally top the baseball world in the Bryce Harper era.
In those three appearances, Duran tossed 3.2 innings while fanning seven hitters without allowing a run. In 2023, he made one postseason run with Minnesota, where he logged five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while striking out six.
