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Cubs Acquire RHP Matt Festa from Rangers

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Bobby Foster | Last updated Jan 9, 2025 11:44 PM ET

On Thursday, the Chicago Cubs added another reliever to their bullpen puzzle. This time, it involves journeyman reliever Matt Festa from the Texas Rangers. While the team is welcoming a new player, they are also saying goodbye to a roster regular.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Cubs are moving on from Miles Mastrobuoni. With the addition of Vidal Brujan, it seemed inevitable that the team would part ways.

For Festa, he is in a prime position to contribute to a wide-open bullpen. If the 31-year-old impresses in spring training, he should have no problem making his way to the major league roster.

In 2024, Festa spent time with both the New York Mets and Texas Rangers. A 5.70 ERA doesn't turn heads, but the potential is still there, given the Cubs' knack for developing bullpen arms.

Obviously, they see something in Festa, and for them to make room on the 40-man speaks to their level of interest. By sending cash considerations, the risk is low, and the reward is high.

The work is still not done. A closer with experience is needed if the team hopes to contend deep into October. In-house options lack the experience, while external options like Kirby Yates and Carlos Estevez remain.

Whichever route they decide to take, the Cubs cannot walk away from the offseason without a closer. Relying on Adbert Alzolay in 2024 proved to be a disaster.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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