The Kansas City Royals have released former Minnesota Twins right-handed reliever Justin Topa, according to his transactions log on MLB.com. Kansas City signed him to a minor-league deal back on July 7.
Before the season began, it looked like Topa would be one of the Twins' most counted-on arms in 2026. The right-hander had a 3.90 ERA and 3.04 FIP last season, and after Minnesota traded away nearly its entire bullpen at last year's deadline, the Twins didn't have many reliable bullpen options.
It turned out that Topa ended up being one of the worst relievers in baseball with Minnesota this season. The Twins designated the 35-year-old for assignment on May 19 after he posted an awful 8.05 ERA over 19 innings. The Twins released him four days later after he cleared waivers.
Roughly a week after becoming a free agent, Topa signed a minor-league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. He never appeared in an MLB game with Toronto and was released in early July after he recorded a 3.38 ERA with a 1.75 WHIP and four strikeouts over eight innings for Triple-A Buffalo.
Topa actually pitched well for Triple-A Omaha, posting a 0.71 ERA with a 1.26 FIP and nine strikeouts over 12 2/3 innings. Based on Topa's status as a veteran and strong stats in the Royals' minor-league system, a team will likely take a chance on him.
Taking a look at the Twins-Mariners Jorge Polanco/Justin Topa trade
The Twins originally acquired Topa from the Seattle Mariners in the Jorge Polanco trade in the 2023-24 offseason. Minnesota also received right-hander Anthony DeSclafani, pitching prospect Darren Bown and outfielder Gabriel Gonzalez in the deal.
Polanco struggled with the Mariners in 2024 before bouncing back with a strong 2025 season. He signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the New York Mets this past offseason.
Topa ultimately didn't work out for the Twins, DeSclafani never played for the Twins due to an injury and Bowen is still in Double-A as a 25-year-old. It looks like the Twins didn't get much in the deal, but you can't really deem it a loss of a trade for Minnesota since Polanco posted a .651 OPS in 2024 before becoming a free agent.
Not to mention, Gonzalez, 22, is a promising prospect. He had a cup of coffee in the majors earlier this year, collecting one hit and two walks in four plate appearances against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. He hasn't had an amazing season at Triple-A, posting a .729 OPS, but he had a strong .909 OPS between three minor-league levels last season.
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