David Festa of the Minnesota Twins is poised for a breakthrough season as he adds a sinker to enhance his pitching arsenal. After facing struggles against right-handed batters last year, this new pitch aims to help him generate weak contact, essential for better defense against hitters who previously had a .773 OPS against him. Festa's improved repertoire now includes a four-seam fastball, slider, and changeup, giving him an edge in match-ups.

In 2024, he showcased potential with a 3.81 ERA and 69 strikeouts over 54 innings, although he faced challenges in the rotation. With established starters like Pablo López and Joe Ryan, Festa is aware he must focus on his game and perform exceptionally to secure his spot. As he enters spring training, Festa remains optimistic about competing and contributing to the Twins' success.

The Minnesota Twins' success in 2025 is closely tied to the performance of their pitching staff, which is generating significant optimism. ESPN's preseason rankings place the Twins' starting rotation seventh in the majors, trailing only teams like the Mariners and Yankees. The rotation is expected to include Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Simeon Woods Richardson, Zebby Matthews, and David Festa.

Bailey Ober's development serves as a model for the Twins' pitching prospects, showcasing the team's ability to cultivate talent. After being drafted in the 12th round, Ober has steadily improved, culminating in a career-best 178⅔ innings pitched last season with a notable 26.9% strikeout rate.

Steamer's projections further bolster the Twins' expectations for 2025, ranking them tied for the second-best ERA+ in the majors, only behind the Red Sox and Braves. With an ERA+ of 106, the Twins are projected to be 6% better than the league average. Among the starting pitchers, Pablo Lopez and Joe Ryan are highlighted, ranked 11th and 17th respectively.

Griffin Jax's future with the Minnesota Twins could be in flux as the team considers moving him from a relief role to a starting pitcher position. Bench coach Jayce Tingler expressed confidence in Jax's potential to excel in either role, emphasizing the importance of Jax's personal desires in this decision.

With budget constraints limiting free-agent options, Jax's transition could be a strategic move to bolster the starting rotation. Tingler highlighted Jax's impressive development and performance, particularly his 2.03 ERA in 2024, while also acknowledging the challenge of replacing him if he shifts roles.

David Festa, a rookie starter for the Minnesota Twins, showed promise in his final outings of the season, boasting a 3.81 ERA and 69 strikeouts over 54⅓ innings. Despite not pitching deep into games, he emerged as a key young talent for the 2025 season.

Festa's performance was highlighted by his ability to mix pitches effectively, leading to a high strikeout rate. He aims to develop additional pitches but is confident in his current three-pitch mix.

With competition for a rotation spot, Festa reflects on his learning experiences and the potential for growth as he prepares for the upcoming season.

The Minnesota Twins finished the 2024 season with a disappointing 82-80 record, placing them fourth in the AL Central. Despite a promising start, they collapsed late in the season, losing 16 of their last 22 games and missing the playoffs. Key players like Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton had solid seasons, but injuries limited their impact.

The offseason looks challenging for the Twins as ownership plans to sell the team, and a $30 million payroll cut has raised concerns about future competitiveness. The team will need to address pitching needs and possibly trade veterans to stay within budget.