Former Mets Prospect Returns to Organization
The New York Mets have acquired right-handed pitcher Matt Festa on a minor league contract, the team announced on Friday.
Festa’s Background
Festa, 27, was originally selected by the Mets in the 16th round of the 2016 MLB Draft. He spent four seasons in the Mets’ minor league system, reaching as high as Triple-A Las Vegas.
The right-hander has a career 3.75 ERA in 136 minor league appearances (38 starts). He has struck out 415 batters in 378 1/3 innings pitched.
Recent Stint in Pittsburgh
Festa was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2020 for cash considerations. He made his MLB debut with the Pirates in 2021, appearing in 13 games out of the bullpen.
Festa struggled in his brief time with Pittsburgh, posting a 6.91 ERA in 14 1/3 innings. He was designated for assignment by the Pirates in June 2022 and eventually elected free agency.
Return to the Mets
The Mets are hopeful that a return to a familiar organization will help Festa regain his form. He will likely begin the 2023 season in Triple-A Syracuse and could provide depth to the Mets’ bullpen later in the year.
The Mets are excited to have Festa back in the organization and believe that he has the potential to be a valuable contributor to the team’s bullpen.
Kind regards Z. McDowell.
