Matt Festa – Chicago Cubs Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Matt Festa has quietly put together a solid career as a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball since the Seattle Mariners drafted him in 2016.

Born March 11, 1993, in Brooklyn, New York, this right-hander’s journey hasn’t exactly been smooth. He’s shown grit, bouncing back from setbacks and carving out his spot in the big leagues.

Matt Festa now plays for the Cleveland Guardians, holding a one-year contract worth $760,000 for the 2025 season. He’s built up a net worth of about $957,753.

Festa didn’t take the easy road to the majors.

After East Stroudsburg University, the Mariners picked him in the seventh round of the 2016 MLB Draft. He’s bounced between the minors and majors, showing the kind of resilience you really need in pro baseball.

He might not be a household name, but inside baseball circles, people respect Festa for how he handles high-pressure moments on the mound.

At 32, he’s now working on his craft with the Guardians, after spending time with Seattle. His professional journey really mirrors what a lot of MLB relievers go through—always proving themselves and navigating the business side of the sport.

Festa’s story hits home for fans who root for players making the most of their talent with determination and a strong work ethic.

Early Life and Education

Matt Festa’s path to pro baseball started in Brooklyn, New York, where he was born on March 11, 1993.

He spent his early years in Staten Island, which shaped both his baseball dreams and his academic direction.

Before long, he was already seen as a promising pitcher.

Family Background

Festa grew up in Staten Island, New York, specifically in Bulls Head and Great Kills.

As a kid, he fell in love with baseball and became a die-hard New York Yankees fan. That early exposure to the sport definitely nudged him toward a baseball career.

His family set up a supportive environment for his athletic goals. While details about his parents and siblings stay mostly private, their backing clearly played a big role in his work ethic and drive.

Even as his baseball journey has taken him all over, Festa’s New York roots remain a big part of who he is.

Academic Achievements

Festa balanced his baseball ambitions with a focus on academics.

He attended high school in Staten Island, where he stood out both on the field and in the classroom.

After high school, he kept working on his game while continuing his education.

He chose East Stroudsburg University, where he sharpened his pitching and worked toward his degree.

His college years were crucial. Festa’s performance there caught the eyes of pro scouts, leading to his selection in the 7th round of the 2016 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners, at pick 207.

Professional Baseball Career

Matt Festa’s professional journey really showcases his perseverance and adaptability.

He’s gone from a seventh-round draft pick to a reliable bullpen arm in the majors.

Early Professional Years

Festa’s pro career kicked off when the Seattle Mariners picked him in the 7th round (207th overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft out of East Stroudsburg.

He’d already shown strong skills at the college level.

He moved quickly through Seattle’s minor league system. Those early years featured solid performances that hinted at his potential as a reliever.

In 2018, Festa reached a huge milestone—he made his Major League debut with the Mariners. That moment really capped off years of hard work.

Of course, his early career brought challenges. Like a lot of young players, Festa had to adjust as he moved up through the different levels of pro baseball.

Key Teams and Performance

Festa has spent most of his MLB time with two franchises.

He developed his skills and earned his stripes with the Seattle Mariners.

Later, he made a big move to the Cleveland Guardians, where he kept refining his approach. Cleveland valued him enough to offer a $760,000 contract.

His numbers show he’s an effective reliever. Festa racks up strikeouts and keeps his walks in check—always a good sign for a bullpen arm.

He’s shown versatility, able to handle all sorts of relief roles. That flexibility has made him a real asset for his teams’ bullpen plans.

Notable Career Adjustments

After some injury setbacks, Festa made one of his biggest career adjustments.

He worked hard to change his pitching mechanics, hoping to avoid future injuries while staying effective on the mound.

He’s also tweaked his pitch selection, leaning into advanced analytics. That data-driven approach is just part of how modern MLB players keep evolving.

During a key conference call with coaches and analysts, Festa decided to shift his pitching strategy to better play to his strengths. That kind of openness to change has kept him in the game.

He’s also adapted to different ballparks and their quirks. Festa has a knack for adjusting his approach based on the venue and game conditions.

Franchise Relationships

Festa has built strong ties within both the Mariners and Guardians organizations.

His work ethic and professionalism have earned him respect from teammates and coaches.

He’s found a good working relationship with the franchise leadership in Cleveland, and the team’s commitment to him is pretty clear from his contract.

Rumors once linked him to the Mets, but Festa stayed focused on his current team. He doesn’t let trade speculation shake his mindset.

He’s leaned on bullpen coaches throughout his career, and those partnerships have helped him make technical and strategic improvements.

Matt Festa Contract Details

Matt Festa’s baseball career has included a series of contract negotiations with multiple teams.

His latest contract really shows how MLB teams value a steady relief pitcher.

Contract History

Festa started out with the typical rookie contracts for players drafted outside the first round.

His early earnings were modest, with pre-arbitration salaries in the $500,000 range.

As he established himself, his contracts started to creep up.

He made around $725,200 with the Seattle Mariners, proving himself as a dependable bullpen option.

His arbitration eligibility has become a key topic in recent negotiations. According to Baseball-Reference, Festa’s service time sits at 2.003 as of January 2025, making him pre-arbitration eligible for 2025.

Recent Contract Events

Festa’s biggest recent deal came when he signed a 1-year, $760,000 contract with the Cleveland Guardians.

That’s a modest bump from his previous salary and reflects how Cleveland views his role in their bullpen.

Before landing in Cleveland, Festa’s 2024 season was a bit of a whirlwind.

He split time between the Mets and Rangers, and spent a quick offseason stint with the Chicago Cubs before heading back to Texas.

In July 2024, he signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers, where he really shined at Triple-A, posting a 1.42 ERA with the Round Rock Express.

Negotiation and Confidentiality

MLB contract talks usually involve a whole team of people: the player, their agent, team execs, and legal reps.

For relievers like Festa, negotiations focus on balancing his numbers with the team’s budget.

When teams have public ownership, contract details often get filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, though specific performance bonuses usually stay private.

Teams take a close look at injury history and future projections before signing pitchers. Festa’s contracts probably include the usual clauses about medical exams and rehab.

The team (the buyer) protects itself with certain clauses, while Festa’s camp pushes for guaranteed money and bonuses. They try to strike a deal that’s fair for both sides and leaves room for Festa to move forward in his career.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Matt Festa has put together a modest financial portfolio during his time in pro baseball.

His earnings reflect the typical path of a relief pitcher who’s worked his way through both minor and major league contracts.

Earnings and Salary

Festa’s current salary is $760,000 with the Cleveland Guardians—a small increase from last year.

In 2023, he earned $725,200 with the Mariners, showing a steady climb in pay.

He’s built up his earnings bit by bit since his MLB debut.

Financial records estimate Festa’s net worth at $957,753, mostly from his baseball contracts.

His contract history looks like this:

• 2022: $700,000
• 2023: $725,200
• 2025: $760,000 with the Guardians

These numbers show he’s a reliable bullpen guy who’s managed to stick on major league rosters, even if he’s not pulling down closer money.

Market Capitalization and Investments

Festa’s market value sits in the middle tier compared to big-name players.

His move from the Mariners to the Guardians feels like a smart career choice that could help his long-term earnings.

Analysts point out that relief pitchers see their contract values rise and fall with stats like ERA, WHIP, and how they handle tough situations.

Teams value Festa for his steady middle-relief work, not as a high-priced closer.

The bullpen market keeps changing, with teams leaning more on advanced stats to set contract values. Festa fits into that group of relievers who offer consistency, even if they don’t get the big paydays.

Financial Strategies and Liquidity

Like most MLB players, Festa probably works with financial advisors to manage his income and keep things flexible for life after baseball.

Players at his earning level usually stick to conservative investments, aiming for long-term stability over risky bets.

That means spreading out investments and keeping enough cash handy for whatever comes next.

Baseball careers are unpredictable, so having a financial cushion is key.

Festa’s moves between teams and contracts of different lengths really highlight why flexibility matters.

The average MLB career doesn’t last long, so guys like Festa have to plan carefully—balancing today’s needs with saving for the future.

Off-Field Interests and Personal Endeavors

Away from baseball, Matt Festa has built up a pretty interesting mix of interests.

He’s got an entrepreneurial streak, cares about his community, and keeps up with hobbies that give him some balance.

His life off the field shows he’s more than just a pitcher—he’s invested in real estate, gives back, and finds time for personal passions.

Real Estate and Property Ventures

Festa has quietly grown a solid real estate portfolio since making it to the majors.

As a Brooklyn native, he’s invested in several properties around Seattle, where he spent a lot of time with the Mariners.

He’s big on sustainable development—at least two of his properties use renewable energy.

In 2023, Festa wrapped up a renovation that turned an old commercial building into mixed-use space, adding affordable housing above some retail shops.

“I’m passionate about creating spaces that serve communities while being environmentally responsible,” Festa said on a baseball podcast last year.

He’s also picked up undeveloped land in the Pacific Northwest.

There, he’s put forest management practices in place, trying to balance conservation with some limited recreation.

Philanthropy and Community Work

Festa really gets involved in the community, and it goes way beyond his real estate work. He’s especially passionate about supporting youth baseball programs in underserved neighborhoods.

Back in 2021, he started the Festa Foundation. The foundation gives equipment and coaching to kids who probably wouldn’t get the chance otherwise.

Each year, the foundation runs baseball clinics in Brooklyn, Seattle, and Cleveland—which, not coincidentally, are all places tied to Festa’s career. Usually, these events bring in more than 200 young athletes.

Festa doesn’t just stop there. He spends time visiting hospitals, especially children’s hospitals in the cities where he’s played.

When the season wraps up, you’ll often find him working on habitat restoration projects. He’s pretty passionate about environmental conservation, so that fits.

After the 2022 season, Festa took things up a notch. He started putting part of his contract earnings toward educational programs for kids growing up with fewer resources.

Poetry, Hobbies, and Other Pursuits

It might surprise some folks, but Festa has a real passion for poetry. Sometimes, he even posts his poems on his personal blog.

He usually writes about perseverance, nature, or the mental side of being a pro athlete. Those themes clearly matter to him.

“Writing helps me process the ups and downs of baseball,” Festa said. “It gives me perspective when I’m struggling on the mound.”

Festa doesn’t just write, though. He’s also an avid woodworker who builds custom furniture in the off-season.

He actually picked up woodworking back in 2019 when he landed on the injured list. With plenty of time to fill during rehab, he signed up for a woodworking class and just stuck with it.

Hiking and wildlife photography keep him busy, too. These hobbies fit right in with his passion for forest conservation.

Scroll through his Instagram, and you’ll spot some of the landscapes he’s photographed on his hikes. It’s a cool peek at what he gets up to when he’s not on the field.