Twins Add Reliever Ron Marinaccio on Minor League Deal

The Minnesota Twins have signed right-handed pitcher Ron Marinaccio to a minor-league contract, according to the team’s transaction log and as reported by MLB.com and Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune. Marinaccio, 31, has been assigned to the Triple-A St. Paul Saints.

The move adds depth to the Twins’ bullpen at the minor-league level, according to a Sports Illustrated report, which framed the signing as a potential “diamond in the rough” acquisition. Marinaccio’s recent history, however, indicates a pitcher who has struggled to find a stable roster spot.

A Season of Roster Moves

Marinaccio began the 2025 season with the San Diego Padres, making 33 appearances with a 4.79 ERA and a 5.30 FIP in 47 innings, as reported by Heavy. He was acquired by San Diego off waivers in January 2025 from the Chicago White Sox, having previously pitched for the New York Yankees.

The Padres designated Marinaccio for assignment on July 19, activating Randy Vasquez and Wandy Peralta for that game. Four days later, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates. With the Pirates, Marinaccio lasted just four appearances, allowing four runs in 5.1 innings. Pittsburgh designated him for assignment on August 3 after acquiring three relievers at the trade deadline.

The Cincinnati Reds claimed Marinaccio off waivers on August 6. In his time with the Reds, he allowed 10 runs in 5.1 innings, with Cincinnati losing all four games in which he appeared, each by at least four runs. The Reds designated him for assignment on August 17. After clearing waivers, Cincinnati attempted to outright him to Triple-A Louisville, but Marinaccio elected free agency instead, forfeiting roughly $806,000 in remaining 2026 salary, as reported by Heavy.

Performance and Potential

Marinaccio made his MLB debut in 2022 with the Yankees, making the team out of spring training and pitching in some leverage situations. Over time, he became largely ineffective at the major-league level and shuttled between the big leagues and Triple-A, according to Sports Illustrated.

In a career-high 57⅔ innings this season, Marinaccio has a 1-0 record with a 6.09 ERA. His 48 strikeouts rank in the 23rd percentile, according to Statcast. He owns a 1.72 HR/9 rate and a 5.18 xERA. His pitches — fastball, changeup, cutter, and sweeper — are all rated below average, per Statcast.

Outlook

While the signing is low-risk, its upside depends on whether the Twins can help Marinaccio improve his stuff. Sports Illustrated notes that fixing his pitches is a first step, and that he relies on balls in play. The Twins will likely keep Marinaccio in St. Paul until needed.

In other Yankees news, the team lost 4-3 to the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday, tying their series at 1-1, with the finale on Sunday in the Bronx.