Twins Daily 2024 Top Prospects: #5 David Festa, RHP

[Seth Stohs]

Today, we step into the Top five in our Twins Daily prospect rankings, with a look at a pitcher whom Twins fans are likely to see pitching crucial innings in the second half of 2024. David Festa is our choice for the Twins' No. 5 prospect. Find out what makes him so exciting for fans and scouts alike. 

Image courtesy of Ed Bailey, Wichita Wind Surge

This is a hard-throwing starting pitcher with three pitches that may already be league-average or better. Provided he has a healthy and encouraging spring, he will also start the season with the Saints, just one call away from The Show. 

David Festa 
Age: 23 (DOB: 3/8/00)
2023 Stats (AA/AAA): 92 ⅓ IP, 4.19 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 11.6 K/9, 4.1 BB/9. 
ETA: 2024
2023 Ranking: 13 

National Top 100 Rankings
BA: NR | MLB: NR | ATH: NR | BP: NR

One of the more exciting developments in the Minnesota Twins organization over the past half-dozen years is the player development department’s ability to boost velocity; add or subtract a pitch; and develop legitimate pitching prospects from Day 2 and Day 3 of the MLB Draft into ones with value commensurate to a typical Day 1 pick. Bailey Ober and Louie Varland are Day 3 pitchers who will be essential cogs in the Twins' pitching staff in 2024. Kody Funderburk, Brent Headrick, and Josh Winder should add depth to the bullpen. Fellow Top 30 Twins prospects like Cory Lewis, C.J. Culpepper, Zebby Matthews, Andrew Morris, and Pierson Ohl also fit that mold. 

In 2024, we should start seeing another example of great scouting and player development work. David Festa was the Twins' 13th-round pick in 2021, out of Seton Hall University. When drafted, he was working in the low 90s with his fastball. His pitch profile is much different today. 

What's to Like
When you see Festa, especially on a mound, you see what scouts would like. Festa stands 6-foot-6, and he’s lean, not yet touching 200 pounds. He has long arms and gets really good extension. After sitting in the low 90s in college, Festa consistently sits 95-96 mph and touches 97-99 with his fastball.

He also has a slider that he throws in the upper 80s, which can make right-handed batters look silly. An outstanding changeup that darts down and away from a left-handed batter rounds out his repertoire. So, that’s three MLB-quality pitches when he’s on, which is pretty exciting. In the Twins Player Development tweet below, check out his seven strikeouts. Against right-handers, they came with the slider. Against left-handers, you can really see how good his changeup can be.

He was the Twins representative at the Futures Game last summer. He worked a scoreless inning. He got Justin Crawford and Jackson Merrill out. Victor Scott hit a single off of a 96.8 mph fastball. With two outs, Brewers top prospect Jackson Chourio came to the plate. He struck him out on three straight sliders between 88.4 and 89.6 mph. He threw nine fastballs that sat between 95.8 and 97.6. He threw six changeups between 87.7 mph and 89.5 mph. He threw four sliders. 

What's Left to Work On
A quick look at his statistics shows that, after walking just 3.0 batters per nine innings between two levels in 2022, Festa walked 4.1 batters per nine innings between Double-A and Triple-A in 2023. Likely, that’s a case of the hitters in the upper levels not expanding the strike zone. Also, he had nine walks in 12 1/3 innings at Triple-A, but remember, they played with the electronic strike zone, which did not call a high strike.

Other than control and command, it’s just about cleaning things up and gaining more consistency with each of his pitches. It’d be nice to make his slider a little more sharp or his changeup a bit more deceptive.  And, if he were to be able to establish a fourth pitch (maybe a slower curveball in the low 80s with depth?). It doesn't have to even be a great pitch, just something for the batter to keep in the back of his mind.

What's Next
Assuming health, Festa will receive an invitation to big-league spring training. There, he will get a chance to work with Pete Maki and Luis Ramírez, while continuing to work with Saints pitching coach Peter Larson.

With just over a dozen innings under his belt with St. Paul, Festa should begin the 2024 season with the Saints. He should continue to make starts and build up strength and stamina. While the odds of him making the Twins Opening Day roster are probably slim and none, the chance for him to be the first or second starter called up when they need an injury replacement or a spot starter is good.

There is a very good chance that Festa will debut for the Twins in 2024. It’s a matter of continuing to progress and then getting an opportunity. A specific goal should be working more innings and building up his pitch and innings count. Assuming the Twins are competing for a division title again in 2024, Festa could be brought up as a late-inning, potentially dominant one or two-inning reliever (like Varland did in September 2023).

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What do you think of David Festa and his future? What excites you most about his potential, and what are your biggest concerns? Join the discussion and comment below.

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[Patzky]

There's a lot of excitement just a few miles from Target Field again in 2024.

[jorgenswest]

Is David Festa’s path to this point very different from Jordan Balazovic or Josh Winder or even Cole Sands? They excelled in AA. Rereading Aaron Gleeman’s top prospect profiles and there seem to be a lot of parallels. What will set Festa apart from them?

[Nashvilletwin]

Love it.  Festa will likely see multiple starts in 2024 as the number #7, #8 or #9 available starter (alongside SWR and eventually Canterino) in the organization.  The injury risk/need for rest among our top six starters is just too high to think otherwise. So the experience he gains in those starts, plus the rest it might give to the staff, will be very valuable as he competes for a top five role in ‘25. 

[Mike Sixel]

If you aren't excited about this player, well, I just don't know what to say.

[CCHOF5yearstoolate]

8 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

Is David Festa’s path to this point very different from Jordan Balazovic or Josh Winder or even Cole Sands? They excelled in AA. Rereading Aaron Gleeman’s top prospect profiles and there seem to be a lot of parallels. What will set Festa apart from them?

Health.

I don't think Cole Sands ever had this kind of ceiling, but I could not be remembering correctly.

[Nashvilletwin]

11 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

If you aren't excited about this player, well, I just don't know what to say.

Agreed.  Up and comers like Festa, Raya, and Canterino - plus the other seven starter potentials in our top 20 - is why the FO hasn’t moved our top position players this off-season for a short term starter or spent big money for one in free agency. The FO definitely thinks we can win this season, but they have a much bigger open window in mind for the next several years ahead. And that window will be anchored by multiple low cost, controllable quality starters.   

[Fatbat]

Its sure looks like Festa could land a #2/3 SP spot in the next 6-14 months. A few guys right with him also. It’s an exciting time if you like to watch guys realize their childhood dream of being in the show. 

[TwinsDr2021]

50 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

If you aren't excited about this player, well, I just don't know what to say.

Is cautiously optimist acceptable? I don't get overly excited about a starting pitcher averaging 4 innings a start in the minors, to me that screams future relief pitcher, Until a minor league starter starts blowing away hitters for more than a couple of innings I can't get too excited (Raya for example) but I can be hopeful. In Festa's case I hope they release the reigns a bit and he starts doing what he has been doing for 5, 6, 7 innings then my optimism can turn to excitement. (More like Varland)

[HerbieFan]

The idea of this kid coming out of the bullpen in October is pretty intoxicating.

[nicksaviking]

1 hour ago, jorgenswest said:

Is David Festa’s path to this point very different from Jordan Balazovic or Josh Winder or even Cole Sands? They excelled in AA. Rereading Aaron Gleeman’s top prospect profiles and there seem to be a lot of parallels. What will set Festa apart from them?

I'd think his velocity as a starter separates him from Sands. As to Winder? Well let's hope Festa's FB isn't as flat; I thought Winder was going to be a really good starter, but he just can't miss bats even when he was pumping up his four seamer.

I'm concerned about the control, for sure. If that's mitigated, I think he could be pretty good.

[Dman]

1 hour ago, jorgenswest said:

Is David Festa’s path to this point very different from Jordan Balazovic or Josh Winder or even Cole Sands? They excelled in AA. Rereading Aaron Gleeman’s top prospect profiles and there seem to be a lot of parallels. What will set Festa apart from them?

I think that is a fair question. Looking back Balazovic's pitches were rated higher than Festa's and WInder just step below on the fastball. I will say Winder never did seem quite the same after his neck injury and he has been injured since then as well. Injuries can play a big role in development or lack thereof so not sure he is a great comp for this.  Sands profile reads similar to Winder's and he was sooo good up to AA and has been more erratic since then. I think moving to relief is gonna work out for him.  Hoping for better results this year but I think he is good comp for Festa.

It was a while ago but I watched Festa pitch in Beloit and he looked good the first time through the order but he gave up some hard contact after that.  That was a while ago, but I have my concerns.  All reports from the Twins side say they seem to be really high on the kid.  Who knows what the separator would need to be to make Festa different. Jumping to the MLB level is just so darn hard and adjustments need to be made all the time.

I'd like to think Festa and Varland are close to making it.  I guess we will know more after this year.

[Shaitan]

28 minutes ago, HerbieFan said:

The idea of this kid coming out of the bullpen in October is pretty intoxicating.

What's his inning max this year, 125-ish?

[wabene]

I can't remember where I heard it, some podcast probably, that Festa's fastball velocity would drop down to the low 90's after a few innings. This guy is beyond skinny, shoulda got him up for Twins Fest and a steady diet of juicy Lucy's! 

[sweetmusicviola16]

I like pitching prospects as much as the next guy. But why don't I get overly excited about them? Jordan Balozovic. He was just DFA'd.

Good Luck David Festa. Hope you make it.

[jorgenswest]

30 minutes ago, Dman said:

I'd like to think Festa and Varland are close to making it.  I guess we will know more after this year.

I should have included Varland in my post. He was also ranked in TD’s 2022 prospects behind Balazovic, Winder and Sands. It looks like his stuff is going to work in the major leagues.

[roger]

Appears this young man could be another great late round pick by the Twins.  Prior to later last summer, knew nothing about him.  Thanks for a great report, Seth.

One thing that caught my eye was that he is from Seton Hall.  If memory serves, several other of the recent mid-to-late round picks who have garnered excitement were also from East Coast schools that aren't as highly thought of as the SEC and ACC baseball powers.  Is that part of the formula for the Twins when finding these nuggets in the rough?  Find interesting prospects at schools that aren't as highly scouted?  Players at these schools also haven't had the same exposure or access to the best coaching and technology available at say, UNC, Arizona State or LSU?

[jmlease1]

2 hours ago, jorgenswest said:

Is David Festa’s path to this point very different from Jordan Balazovic or Josh Winder or even Cole Sands? They excelled in AA. Rereading Aaron Gleeman’s top prospect profiles and there seem to be a lot of parallels. What will set Festa apart from them?

I think the biggest difference is in the number of pitches Festa has that are established already as it relates to Balazovic, who ended up having to scrap his changeup for a different one at AA, Sands hasn't had Festa's velocity and figuring out a 3rd pitch has been a bit of a struggle for him as well. Winder has velocity on his fastball, but it's been incredibly hittable and it looks like Festa's doesn't have the same issues. Winder also never had a 3rd pitch settled on either: the slider is great, but his changeup is just ok and he's been trying to land a 3rd pitch for a while.

Look it can all change when you hit MLB and even the crap hitters there are only crap against the best in the world. but Festa looks very promising, and looks on track to be a rotation option in 2025 after getting a taste this season. Hopefully we only need him for 10 starts or so, but as AAA depth he's awfully nice to be looking at as your 7th/8th/9th starter going into the year.

[DJL44]

2 hours ago, Nashvilletwin said:

Agreed.  Up and comers like Festa, Raya, and Canterino - plus the other seven starter potentials in our top 20 - is why the FO hasn’t moved our top position players this off-season for a short term starter or spent big money for one in free agency. The FO definitely thinks we can win this season, but they have a much bigger open window in mind for the next several years ahead. And that window will be anchored by multiple low cost, controllable quality starters.   

I'd like to see them turn two of those seven guys into more near-term help. They're a contender right now.

[SaberNerd]

2 hours ago, roger said:

Appears this young man could be another great late round pick by the Twins.  Prior to later last summer, knew nothing about him.  Thanks for a great report, Seth.

One thing that caught my eye was that he is from Seton Hall.  If memory serves, several other of the recent mid-to-late round picks who have garnered excitement were also from East Coast schools that aren't as highly thought of as the SEC and ACC baseball powers.  Is that part of the formula for the Twins when finding these nuggets in the rough?  Find interesting prospects at schools that aren't as highly scouted?  Players at these schools also haven't had the same exposure or access to the best coaching and technology available at say, UNC, Arizona State or LSU?

It seems to be a major part of their strategy.  Just the last year, they drafted a pitcher from Southern Miss, Bethune-Cookman, South Alabama, California Baptist, Riverside CC, Angelo State, and Hope International U.  Its a lot easier to significantly improve a player if you are taking someone who has never had top-level instruction.

[jkcarew]

5 hours ago, jorgenswest said:

Is David Festa’s path to this point very different from Jordan Balazovic or Josh Winder or even Cole Sands? They excelled in AA. Rereading Aaron Gleeman’s top prospect profiles and there seem to be a lot of parallels. What will set Festa apart from them?

It’s a great question.

My two cents…I’m with Nicksaviking…command, command, command. And he’ll have to prove it at the AAA level, which as you point out, he hasn’t yet. To me, the “shape” of his pitches offer opportunity to make things marginally better. But to take his command to the next level, work consistently ahead, and get AAA/MLB hitters to swing at his pitches, is where the money will be.

[jkcarew]

It occurs to me that it would seem easier to add velocity from age 20/21 to age 23/24 when said 20 year old is 6-6, and not 6-0. 
 

Above average control/command, just the opposite.

[DocBauer]

I am super excited about this kid! And I have been since he debuted in 2022. And I say debuted as 2 games and 5 IP in 2021 after being drafted really isn't a debut, IMO.

As I recall, he was great for Ft Myers for in 5 starts, great for CR, then slumped a little, and then pitched a couple great games to end the season on a high note.

I understand he's close to turning 24yo, but he's only thrown 2yrs of pro ball and is already at AAA. From every report, he's already got 3 quality pitches. I think, generally, there are 2 issues almost every young pitcher faces:

1] Control

2]A 3rd pitch that is quality.

Well, his control isn't bad, but does need refinement. He's still young and relatively inexperienced. Being long helps with velocity to some degree, and aids in deception. Being so long means a little more time and effort to have a consistently repeatable delivery. That's what he's going to be working on in 2024.

IMO, the only real concern is just him having more endurance to keep his velocity up, and to not tire too soon and lose that control. I don't want him to "fatten up". He's not an OL in football who needs bulk. But a few extra pounds of bulk and muscle could go a long way to his ability to throw a consistent 5-6 innings, or more.

Like any young arm, I expect bumps in the road. When you face a ML lineup, you are facing the best players in the world daily/nightly. So there is ALWAYS a bit of a learning curve. He's going to get a shot in 2024. I'm hoping it's a fairly small shot as that means the Twins rotation is generally healthy and good. 

The IDEAL 2024 for Festa is to continue to develop and maintain his control via repition. Second...and some of this would be his offseason work as well...bulk and muscle up a little to maintain endurance. Get about 6 ML starts at some point...again because he's hopefully not needed for more and he is behind Varland, AND SWR if we believe he's about ready to take a step forward. POSSIBLY enter the late season/playoff bullpen consideration, and use all of that to be ready in 2025.

A little better control, some additional experience, a little more endurance, I think he's a top 100 player entering 2025.

And YES to a few other comments about the FO and scouting department looking for arms. This is exactly what they do. They look for arms that check 3 or 3 1/2 boxes of a proverbial 5 box checklist when they draft. Someone who has a couple SOMETHINGS working in their favor and they can build up the rest, usually from a smaller school that didn't have all the coaches and tools to work with. Who might have come from a less than ideal climate, etc. Now, they aren't ALWAYS the 6' 3" and above guys. Witness Tanner Hall in the 4th round in the last draft. Now the 4th round isn't the 8th or 13th round for sure, but Hall DOMINATED at a top school. But there are questions about velocity and pure STUFF vs control and spinning. They believe they can add some velocity, maybe add or tweak a pitch, and get as good, or better, prospect than a college arm that may be close to peak ability already at a larger school/conference. 

To be fair, if you take a moment to really look at our FO drafts over the past several years, you will see a collection of HS and college arms selected in the first 100 picks. They are not immune to doing so, despite the opinions of some. The facts are there if you just look. But they believe better bats are available early rather than late, and there are just so many good arms that might be very good with development time. Witness Festa in this OP, Raya who is probably next on the list, and Ober and Varland already with the Twins.

[JD-TWINS]

23 hours ago, jorgenswest said:

Is David Festa’s path to this point very different from Jordan Balazovic or Josh Winder or even Cole Sands? They excelled in AA. Rereading Aaron Gleeman’s top prospect profiles and there seem to be a lot of parallels. What will set Festa apart from them?

It seems that there’s room for improvement with Festa but he just doesn’t have 3 pitches - they All grade out toward Plus pitches…….that’s my assumption of a difference.

[h2oface]

When a team virtually never drafts the highest pitchers projected available on day one instead of the numerous failed position players they do draft (the few exceptions noted), they have to find a few acorns after day one, as it’s the only pitchers they do draft! 
 

Hopefully, Festa will be a ringer.

[Guest]

From the original post:

"One of the more exciting developments in the Minnesota Twins organization over the past half-dozen years is the player development department’s ability to boost velocity..."

I guess I am going to asking the TWINS DAILY writers every time it is written: Are the Twins the cutting edge in adding velocity to young pitchers, or do many teams have this same ability and the Twins are just keeping up?

[Trov]

It is so nice to see guys late in draft rise up to be legit prospects.  It really goes to show how hard it is to predict pitching.  Clearly the Twins have found a way to identify guys they can add velo to.  If he was throwing upper 90's in college, no way does he drop to 13th round.  I would not worry about the walks in his SSS in AAA as going to a robo ump will take time to adjust.