David Festa, SP
Festa has been lighting things up in St. Paul, posting a 2.77 ERA in ten starts with a 1-0 record and an insane 36.8 percent strikeout rate. He's been as dominant as anyone could have hoped, and seems to be much closer to a finished product than expected.
We all knew that Festa was going to be someone to watch in the minors this year, but the rate at which he's ascended is Brooks Lee-esque and it's one of the most exciting developments of the season.
Night is over for @davidfesta13 who goes 5.0 shutout allowing 1 hit while walking 1 and striking out 8. He set a franchise record by striking out 7 in a row from the 2nd batter of the game through the 8th batter. He retired the first 10 men he faced. 60 K's in 39 IP, 2.77 ERA pic.twitter.com/goEqPNPpyA
— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) May 25, 2024
As good as Festa has been, he still doesn't have a clear path to the MLB roster -- yet. It's still early and the Twins will likely need to make another pitching adjustment at some point over the summer. Right now all of the starting rotation slots are full with Simeon Woods Richardson having stepped up to fill the spot that Louie Varland vacated.
It's likely that Festa makes his debut sometime after the All-Star Break, but if he keeps pitching the way he is the Twins might have to move that timeline up.