Seton Hall Ace David Festa: NJ's MLB Draft Star Rises

David Festa, Seton Hall's dominant right-handed pitcher from the South Orange campus, has emerged as a top prospect for the upcoming MLB Draft, frequently projected in the top 10 of expert mocks. The New Jersey native's fastball velocity, sharp breaking pitches and command have drawn comparisons to elite MLB arms, boosting the Pirates' BIG EAST standing. Festa's journey began when the Minnesota Twins selected him in the 13th round, 399th overall, of the 2021 MLB Draft after his junior season.

Returning to Seton Hall for further development, Festa posted career highs in 2025 with a sub-3.00 ERA over 90 innings, striking out 120 batters while anchoring the Pirates' rotation in conference play. His performances at Owen T. Shanahan Field have packed local stands from Newark to Jersey City, underscoring Seton Hall's role in nurturing NJ talent amid the state's powerhouse high school baseball scene. Mock drafts now peg him as a potential top-10 pick, a leap reflecting his physical maturity at 6-foot-2 and refined arsenal.

Festa's rise mirrors New Jersey's pitching pipeline, from Seton Hall Prep prospects to MLB stars like the Yankees' own NJ products. As the Pirates eye BIG EAST contention, his success amplifies Seton Hall's recruiting draw in the competitive Northeast Corridor. With the 2026 Draft days away, Festa's pro signing could mark a milestone for Pirate baseball, inspiring the next generation in the Garden State.