The Minnesota Twins have added bullpen depth by signing right-handed pitcher Ron Marinaccio to a minor-league contract. The 31-year-old former New York Yankees reliever has been assigned to Triple-A St. Paul Saints, according to MLB transaction records dated August 22, 2026.
Marinaccio, a Toms River, New Jersey native, was selected by the Yankees in the 19th round of the 2017 MLB Draft out of the University of Delaware.
He made his big-league debut with New York in 2022 and spent three seasons in the Bronx, establishing himself as a reliable middle-relief option.
Across his career, the 6-foot-2 right-hander owns a 7-5 record with a 3.98 ERA, 197 strikeouts, and a 1.28 WHIP in 183 innings over 149 appearances.
His path in 2026 has been rocky. After beginning the year with the San Diego Padres, Marinaccio was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in late July for international signing bonus pool considerations.
Pittsburgh later designated him for assignment, and the Cincinnati Reds claimed him off waivers in early August.
He struggled in limited time with the Reds, allowing 10 runs in 5⅓ innings across four outings. Designated for assignment once more on August 17, Marinaccio cleared waivers and elected free agency on August 19 rather than accepting an outright assignment to Triple-A Louisville.
This season he has posted a 1-0 record with a 6.09 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 57⅔ innings across 41 relief appearances for the Padres, Pirates, and Reds, striking out 48 batters. Early success with San Diego faded later in the year, leading to multiple roster moves.
For the Twins, the signing represents a low-risk addition of major-league experience to their Triple-A staff. Marinaccio’s prior track record of solid middle-relief work, including strong strikeout rates earlier in his career, gives St. Paul a veteran arm who could provide depth if Minnesota needs bullpen help down the stretch.
With the regular season in its final weeks, organizations often turn to such non-roster deals to bolster affiliate rosters and create potential call-up options.
Marinaccio now joins the Saints as he looks to regain form and position himself for another opportunity at the major-league level.
The move continues a pattern of the Twins adding experienced pitching depth via minor-league contracts throughout the 2026 campaign.
