In a surprising yet strategic move, the Chicago Cubs have acquired veteran right-handed pitcher Matt Festa from the Texas Rangers to bolster their bullpen. This move comes just days after Cubs’ ace left-hander Justin Steele was placed on the 15-day injured list due to elbow tendinitis, leaving the team without one of their key starting pitchers for an undisclosed period of time. Festa, who was designated for assignment by the Rangers earlier this week, was swiftly picked up by the Cubs in a trade involving cash considerations.
Festa, 31, has spent much of his career as a reliable bullpen arm, and this trade is seen as a proactive measure by the Cubs to fill the gap created by Steele’s injury. The right-hander, who made 18 appearances for the Rangers in 2024, posted a 4.37 ERA and a 1.059 WHIP over 37.1 innings. Though Festa has not been a fixture in any team’s starting rotation, his experience and ability to handle high-leverage situations make him an invaluable addition to the Cubs’ roster.
Since his MLB debut in 2018, Festa has bounced between several teams, including the Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, and most recently the Texas Rangers. Over his career, Festa has accumulated a 4.60 ERA in 160 appearances, mostly in relief, and his experience in various bullpen roles will allow the Cubs to further stabilize their pitching depth as they navigate a key stretch of the season.
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The Cubs’ decision to add Festa came after the unfortunate injury to Steele, who was removed from the starting rotation following his dominant outing against the Texas Rangers earlier this week. Steele had thrown seven shutout innings in what appeared to be a return to form after a rocky start to the season. However, the left-hander’s health issues resurfaced, leading to his current stint on the injured list. With the Cubs facing the challenge of maintaining their competitive edge without one of their best pitchers, Festa’s acquisition is a clear attempt to shore up their bullpen depth.
To make room for Festa on the Cubs’ 40-man roster, utility infielder Miles Mastrobuoni has been designated for assignment. Mastrobuoni, who has been with the team in a limited capacity, will likely clear waivers and potentially join the Cubs’ Triple-A affiliate in Iowa, where he will remain available for recall should the team need additional infield depth.
The Cubs’ bullpen has already had its share of ups and downs this season, but Festa’s addition provides them with a fresh, experienced arm that has the potential to provide stability during a crucial time. As the Cubs continue to work through the early season without Steele, Festa’s veteran presence could prove invaluable in the coming weeks.
For the Texas Rangers, Festa’s departure opens up an opportunity to evaluate internal options or pursue other candidates to fill the bullpen spot. Given their strong start to the season, the Rangers are in a position to manage this change without it significantly impacting their current roster makeup.
Festa, now officially a part of the Cubs’ pitching staff, is expected to contribute in multiple relief roles, helping to carry the load in what will be a critical stretch of games for the Cubs as they attempt to stay competitive in the race for a postseason spot. With the team’s pitching staff now adjusting to the loss of Steele, Festa’s experience will certainly be put to the test, and Cubs fans will be hoping he can make an immediate impact.
