Thu Jan 09 21:20:00 UTC 2025: **Cubs Acquire Reliever Matt Festa, Designate Mastrobuoni for Assignment**

CHICAGO, IL (January 9, 2025) – The Chicago Cubs bolstered their bullpen today, acquiring right-handed reliever Matt Festa from the Texas Rangers in exchange for cash considerations. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated utility player Miles Mastrobuoni for assignment.

Festa, 31, has had a winding journey through the majors, most recently pitching for the Rangers. While his career has been marked by inconsistency, he showed promise in Texas’s bullpen late last season, posting a 4.37 ERA with a strong strikeout-to-walk ratio. The Cubs hope he can provide depth and compete for a spot in their bullpen this spring.

Mastrobuoni, meanwhile, departs after two seasons with the Cubs. While praised for his defensive versatility, his offensive struggles (.221/.282/.268 batting line over the past two years) ultimately led to his DFA. The Cubs have one week to trade him or place him on waivers. They are likely to consider Mastrobuoni, who has a minor league option, as Triple-A depth if he clears waivers. His departure opens the door for other players vying for bench spots, such as recent acquisitions Vidal Bruján and Gage Workman.

The Cubs’ bullpen remains a work in progress. The addition of Festa joins other recent acquisitions like Eli Morgan and Caleb Thielbar, but the team is expected to continue searching for upgrades in the coming weeks.

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