Minnesota Twins Strike Deal with Veteran Reliever

The Minnesota Twins front office is trying to navigate a 2025-26 offseason in which they have a lot of holes to fill, but no idea how much money they will have to do it.

In fact, president Derek Falvey still doesn’t know if he will be rebuilding a Twins roster that was halfway deconstructed at the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline, or if he will be instructed by ownership to tear it even further.

If it’s the former, Falvey will need a bigger player budget than the $96 million currently projected for next season. If it’s the latter, then Minnesota’s offseason plan would likely include trading starting pitchers Joe Ryan, Pablo Lopez and even superstar centerfielder, Byron Buxton.

Minnesota Twins avoid arbitration with Justin Topa

But until they get further direction from the Pohlad family, Twins executives are doing their best to walk the line between their two possible realities, this offseason.

And on Friday, they took their first step in rebuilding a bullpen that was blown to smithereens just a few months ago, by reaching a one-year deal with Justin Topa that will allow the two sides to avoid arbitration this offseason.

Twins avoided arbitration with reliever Justin Topa, agreeing to a one-year deal for 2026.

DaShawn Keirsey Jr. was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Alex Jackson.

— Aaron Gleeman (@AaronGleeman) November 21, 2025

Justin Topa, 34, will now enter his third season with the Minnesota Twins, after they landed him the trade two offseasons ago that sent Jorge Polanco to Seattle, in exchange for Topa, Darren Bowen, Gabriel Gonzalez and Anthony DeSclafani (plus cash).

Why are Twins keeping Topa around?

Justin pitched in just three games that first year (2024) in a MN Twins uniform. Last year, he became a critical cog in the bullpen, especially after they traded the rest of the bullpen away at the deadline.

When the dust settled, Topa threw 60 innings in 2025, posting a 3.90 ERA, 3.04 FIP, 1.433 WHIP and 7.4 K/9. Topa has accumulated 5.044 years of MLB service time, meaning a full season in the Twins bullpen will make him a free agent in 2027.

On top of their deal with Topa, the Minnesota Twins also announced a trade Friday morning. Triple-A infielder Peyton Eeles is on his way to Baltimore. Taking his place in the organization will be 29-year-old Alex Jackson, who’s presumed to be the Twins’ new backup catcher. You can read more about that trade HERE.