Can Jhoan Duran's 100 mph fastball and Harrison Bader's defense lead Phillies to a World Series?
Philly's New Closer: Can Duran Deliver a Championship?
Electric Arm Acquired from Twins
HARRISON BADER knows what it takes to win. His brief time with Jhoan Duran in Minnesota gave him a front-row seat to the pitcher's electric arsenal. "Plain and simple, he has close-the-door stuff," Bader said. "Tough situation, runner on, maybe baseball happens, he kind of puts a couple runners on. He's got strikeout stuff to strike out three in a row. I've seen it all year. I've seen it on the other side."
Now both are Phillies.
Duran: Ready to Close the Deal
The 27-year-old Duran, nicknamed "Durantulla" and known for his spider cleats, arrived with a resume that includes 16 saves and a 2.01 ERA in 49 appearances this season. He struck out 53 batters in 49 1/3 innings while throwing a four-seam fastball that averages an incredible 100.2 mph - second only to Mason Miller's 101.1 mph among those who have thrown 200 or more pitches.
"It's an honor to be part of this team," Duran said. "I know here I've got a chance to win the World Series.” The Phillies are all-in on that chance, testing out his fire entrance on the big screen ahead of his debut Friday against Detroit.
Bader: Defensive Stalwart with Power Potential
Joining Duran is Harrison Bader, a 31-year-old Gold Glove winner who brings solid defense to all three outfield spots. He also adds offensive firepower with 12 home runs, 38 RBIs and a .778 OPS in 96 games.
Bader will start his Phillies career in center field as part of a platoon with Brandon Marsh against alternating right- and left-handed pitchers over the next six games. This "double-platoon" strategy also extends to left field, where lefty Max Kepler and Otto Kemp are paired up.
Manager Rob Thomson sees Bader's future at center field: "I see him sort of as the best center fielder we've got.”
A Championship Contender?
The Phillies hope these new additions will be enough to propel them past the New York Mets in the NL East and into the World Series. With a potent bullpen that already includes Matt Strahm, Orion Kerkering, and soon-to-return José Alvarado, the pieces are in place for a deep playoff run.
Duran's impressive velocity and Bader’s proven track record make this a promising pairing. But will they be enough to bring home Philadelphia's first World Series title since 2008? The pennant race is heating up, and time will tell.