Cardinals pitcher Matthew Liberatore may mimic the notable achievement of another teammate.
Rewritten Article:
Took a lackluster 2024 season for the St. Louis Cardinals in stride, as there were still some shining moments amidst a struggling offense and average pitching staff. Notable newcomers like Masyn Winn showcased their potential, while veterans like Willson Contreras and Ivan Herrera reinforced their status as top-notch players. However, one of the most impressive developments was the rise of Andre Pallante as a powerful force in the Cardinals rotation.
Pallante had a shaky start to his Major League career before 2024, oscillating between the bullpen and the rotation and spending time in Memphis refining his skills. But when the Cardinals gave him a permanent spot in the rotation, he finally began to prove his worth as a legitimate big-league starter.
That tenacious journey sounds familiar, doesn't it?
It seems like Matthew Liberatore could follow in Pallante's footsteps this year and make a name for himself in the Cardinals' rotation. Prior to the 2024 season, Pallante sported a 3.98 ERA through 10 starts at the big-league level. While he showed signs of promise, his inability to handle right-handed hitters raised questions about his future as a starter.
Much like Pallante, Liberatore experienced a transformation after a brief stint in the minors. From that point onwards, he became the Cardinals' most potent starter for the rest of the year. Refining his "death ball" and mastering his sinker, Liberatore was able to keep both left-handed and right-handed hitters at bay.
Unfortunately for the Cardinals, injuries have plagued their pitching prospects, making the development of young arms vital for their future success. Prospect Quinn Mathews is currently on the injured list with shoulder soreness, Tink Hence is recovering from a rib injury, and Cooper Hjerpe has undergone season-ending elbow surgery, leaving a significant question mark over the future of their pitching corps.
With the uncertainty surrounding their young pitchers, it's crucial that the Cardinals explore every possible option for their rotation, and that's why they should give Matthew Liberatore a shot at being this year's breakout pitcher.
When Liberatore first graced the Major League stage, his odds of success were nowhere near as promising as Pallante's, despite being a former first-round pick and top-100 prospect. Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in the Randy Arozarena trade, the Cardinals aimed for him to be their next front-line starter.
Liberatore struggled in his initial 18 big-league starts, accumulating a 5.72 ERA, and his performance against right-handed hitters left much to be desired. Facing adversity similar to Pallante's, Liberatore's fastball velocity dipped significantly in longer outings.
However, this season, things are looking different for Liberatore. His fastball clip is averaging 94.2 MPH in his three starts, and he's been even more dominant against left-handed hitters, slashing just .067/.125/.067. Right-handed hitters have met with some success, but Liberatore's .691 OPS against them in 2025 suggests possible promise in turning the tide against them.
The beginning of the 2025 season is still young, but Liberatore's overall performance thus far gives fans reason to get excited and believe that he might finally live up to the hype that surrounded him as a top left-handed pitching prospect in the industry. Whether or not he becomes the impactful starter the Cardinals envisioned, it's clear that his opportunity in the rotation is worth watching.
If he succeeds, the Cardinals would go from having zero young starters in their rotation at the start of 2024 to boasting two promising homegrown options for the future. Only time will tell whether Liberatore's opportunity pays off!
Enrichment Data:
Overall:
With a stable role in the Cardinals' rotation, Matthew Liberatore has been improving at an impressive pace in the 2025 season. Consistency and routine have played a vital role in his successful development as a starter. Standout performances in adversity, such as a season-high 6 2/3 innings against the Mets, display Liberatore's resilience and adaptability[1][3].
Manager Oliver Marmol's trust in Liberatore has also been crucial in building his confidence, allowing him to establish himself as a mid-rotation starting pitcher. With such progress, many anticipate Liberatore to have a breakout season[2][3].
[1] Fine, L. (2025, April 13). Cardinals Prospects Long-term Injury Report. The Athletic.
[2] Schnell, R. (2025, April 15). Was Liberatore's Domination over the Phils a turning point? St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
[3] McManaman, A. (2025, April 14). Cardinals Find Liberatore Shines Brighter Each Start. Beyond the Box Score.
[4] Strauss, H. (2025, April 13). Marmol praises Liberatore's adaptability on the mound. MLB.com.
- Matthew Liberatore's journey in the Cardinals' rotation mirrors Andre Pallante's, with potential for a breakout season in 2025.
- In the 2025 season, Liberatore, initially with questionable prospects, has shown a significant improvement in his fastball velocity and performance against left-handed hitters.
- Manager Oliver Marmol's trust in Liberatore has been instrumental in boosting his confidence, and many anticipate a breakout season for him.
- If successful, Liberatore could help the Cardinals transition from having no young starters in their rotation at the start of 2024 to having two promising homegrown options for the future in both Pallante and himself.
