Pair of Young Cardinals Showing Early Signs of Unexpected Breakout Seasons
After winning 10 of their last 11 games, the St. Louis Cardinals are now 24-20 on the year. Some people may have written them off after a rough month of April, but the Cardinals now sit just a game back of the Cubs for first place in the NL Central.
A lot has been going right for the Cardinals during this hot stretch. They've gotten a few great starts from guys like Erick Fedde and Miles Mikolas, the bullpen has been excellent, and hitters like Masyn Winn and Willson Contreras appear to have figured things out at the plate after getting off to slow starts.
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Two players who have continued to shine during this recent hot stretch are two guys who have been great all year long. While the Cardinals were hoping for breakout seasons by the likes of Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman, it's been Victor Scott II and Matthew Liberatore who have shown early signs of breakout seasons in 2025.
There were question marks surrounding both players entering the season. After struggling at the major league level and bouncing back and forth between MLB and Triple-A in 2024, Scott had to beat out Michael Siani for a starting spot, and he did so with a stellar spring training campaign.
For Scott, his elite speed and defense have not come as a surpirse. He's already tallied 13 stolen bases and accumulated a seven defensive runs saved, which ranks second among NL center fielders.
Cardinals center fielder Victor Scott IIJordan Godfree-Imagn Images
It's been Scott's bat that has come as a pleasant surprise to start 2025. Through 40 games, the 24-year-old is slashing .278/.342/.383 and has driven in 18 runs.
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As for Liberatore, he spent most of 2024 as a reliever after his first couple tries as a starter at the major league level didn't go well. While the decision to move him back into the rotation this season was frowned upon by some, Liberatore has made the most of his latest opportunity.
Simply put, Liberatore has been the Cardinals' ace to start 2025. His 3.11 ERA and 1.01 WHIP are both a best among Cardinals starting pitchers. Through 46 and a third innings pitched, the 25-year-old has struck out 42 hitters while only surrendering seven walks. He is next scheduled to pitch on Monday against the Tigers.
Related: Cardinals Young Star Predicted to Fetch $100 Million-Plus
Related: Cardinals' Liberatore Leading MLB in Important Category
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