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Could the Phillies sign Jhoan Duran to the largest ever reliever contract?

In 2022 Edwin Díaz signed the largest contract for a reliever in MLB history. With free agency looming, the Phillies' Jhoan Duran is primed to shatter that figure.

By Ben Silver · That Balls Outta Here

Published: Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 4:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Ben Silver argues the Phillies could sign closer Jhoan Duran to a record-breaking contract extension.
Duran has one year of team control remaining before reaching free agency after the 2027 season.
Silver projects an extension could command an annual average value between $20 million and $25 million.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Writer Ben Silver suggests the Philadelphia Phillies could sign closer Jhoan Duran to the largest reliever contract in MLB history. Duran has just one year of team control remaining before entering free agency following the 2027 season, after posting a dominant 1.82 ERA and 1.42 FIP over 59.1 innings in 2026.

Silver projects a potential extension could range between $20 million and $25 million annually across four to six years, potentially reaching $135 million. This would surpass Edwin Diaz's record $102 million deal, though upcoming CBA negotiations and possible salary cap changes could influence future contract structures.

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Could the Phillies sign Jhoan Duran to the largest ever reliever contract?

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