The Los Angeles Dodgers signed right-hander Carlos Duran to a minor league contract Dec. 12.
The Dodgers initially signed Duran as an international free agent in 2018, and he had been with the organization until the beginning of the 2025 season. The Dodgers traded Duran to the Athletics on April 2 in exchange for Esteury Ruiz.
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Duran made his MLB debut for the A’s in May, allowing three runs in 0.1 innings. It was his only appearance in MLB last season. He made 37 appearances for the A’s Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas, pitching 58.1 innings and striking out 59 batters. He posted a 5.25 ERA throughout those 37 appearances.
Duran began turning heads in 2022, ranking as the Dodgers’ No. 16 prospect. He posted a 4.25 ERA through 14 appearances while striking out 68 batters in 48.2 innings in High-A. An elbow injury derailed his season, though, and he missed the entirety of the 2023 season.
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The right-hander rose through the Dodgers’ ranks quickly in 2024 after returning from Tommy John surgery, beginning the season in Single-A and ending up in Triple-A by season’s end. He finished the year with a 3.71 ERA across three levels of minor-league ball, with his best numbers coming in Double-A.
The Dodgers came out of the trade with a decent return, especially since Duran is back on the team. Ruiz played 19 games for the Dodgers in 2025, posting a .594 OPS. The outfielder, who led the American League in steals in 2023, snagged four bags in four attempts for the Dodgers this season.
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Duran is likely to begin 2026 in Triple-A, but could very well break into the Dodgers’ bullpen during next season. The Dodgers ranked 21st in bullpen ERA in 2025, and if they look to shake things up at some point during the season, the 24-year-old could very well get his shot with the reigning World Series champions.
Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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