Justin Topa Traded to Seattle for Minor Leaguer

On Saturday evening, the Milwaukee Brewers announced that they have traded right-handed reliever Justin Topa to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for minor-league righty Joseph Hernandez. 

It has been widely known that the Mariners were looking to add to their bullpen. One would have to assume that they are still looking for relievers, but they did add 31-year-old Justin Topa from the Brewers on Saturday. 

Topa made his MLB debut with the Brewers in 2020 and over the past three seasons has worked in a combined 17 games for Milwaukee. 

Joseph Hernandez is a 22-year-old from the Dominican Republic originally signed back in 2017. In 2022, he went 9-5 with a 3.39 ERA at Low-A Modesto. He made 22 starts (and two relief appearances and tossed a total of 116 2/3 innings. He walked too many (54), but his strikeout total of 143 was quite impressive. 

While Hernandez was not listed among MLB Pipeline's Top 30 Mariners prospects, the strikeout rate make him an intriguing sleeper prospect. .  

Which team do you dislike the most in the NL Central?

Which team do you dislike the most in the NL Central?

• Which team do you dislike the most in the NL Central? Required
  • Cubs
  • Cardinals
  • Reds
  • Pirates
• Save

See All Brewers Polls >

Want to play the role of Brewers general manager? Check out our free-to-use "You're The GM" offseason tool and build your own Brewers roster!