Phillies' Jhoan Duran Unveils Devastating New Offspeed Pitch

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The Philadelphia Phillies are hoping their new closer Jhoan Duran can help lead them to a World Series title in 2026, the last year before their aging core hits free agency. Duran, acquired at the trade deadline from the Minnesota Twins, has developed a devastating new offspeed pitch that averages 34 inches of vertical drop, a pitch he's calling the 'splinker'.

Why it matters

The Phillies are in win-now mode, with multiple star players set to hit free agency after the 2027 season. Duran's emergence as an elite closer with a unique, high-movement offspeed pitch could be a difference-maker as the team makes a push for the championship.

The details

Duran's new 'splinker' pitch combines the sharp downward break of a curveball with the late fading action of a splitter. The pitch has averaged 34 inches of vertical drop in its early usage, making it one of the most extreme breaking balls in baseball. Phillies coaches have been working closely with Duran to perfect the new offering, which he plans to use as a put-away pitch alongside his high-90s fastball.

• Duran was acquired by the Phillies at the 2026 MLB trade deadline.

What’s next

Duran will look to continue refining his new 'splinker' pitch during spring training and the early part of the 2026 season, with the goal of using it as a key weapon to help the Phillies make a deep playoff run.