The New York Yankees have added depth to their pitching ranks by signing right-hander Justin Topa to a minor-league contract, with the 35-year-old assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
The move, reported on Friday via the MLB transactions log, brings a veteran arm with major-league experience dating back to 2020 into the organization at a low-risk cost.
Topa, a Binghamton native, opened the 2026 season with the Minnesota Twins and struggled badly. In 23 relief appearances totaling 19 innings, he posted an 8.05 ERA, allowing 27 hits and 11 walks while striking out just 12 batters.
The Twins designated him for assignment in mid-May and released him shortly afterward. He then bounced between minor-league deals with the Toronto Blue Jays and Kansas City Royals.
With Triple-A Buffalo, he recorded a 3.38 ERA in eight innings; later with Omaha he was especially sharp, posting a 0.71 ERA with four saves across 12 2/3 innings before being released on August 9.
The right-hander has been a big-league regular since making his debut with the Milwaukee Brewers on September 1, 2020. Over parts of seven seasons he has appeared in 172 games (one start), compiling a 6-11 record, 4.27 ERA, and 141 strikeouts in 168 2/3 innings.
His best campaign came in 2023 with the Seattle Mariners, when he worked 69 innings with a 2.61 ERA, three saves, and a strong ground-ball rate.
Subsequent stints with Minnesota produced mixed results, including a solid 3.90 ERA over 60 innings in 2025, though injuries have limited his availability at times throughout his career.
For the Yankees, the signing provides organizational depth as the club navigates the final stretch of the regular season. Topa’s ability to induce ground balls remains a useful trait, and the minor-league deal carries no roster risk.
As a local product who once served as a batboy for the Binghamton Mets, the opportunity to pitch in the Yankees system carries personal significance.
Whether he earns a call-up to the Bronx will depend on his performance in Scranton and the needs of the big-league bullpen, but the move gives a proven major-league pitcher another chance to contribute in a familiar region.
It also gives the Yankees an extra insurance policy against injuries.
