Matthew Liberatore is one step closer to his ultimate goal.
The St. Louis Cardinals will open up their Grapefruit League schedule on Saturday afternoon against the Washington Nationals and left-hander Matthew Liberatore will take the ball.
While technically it's just a start in late February, it could have bigger meaning. Earlier this offseason, Liberatore said he wants to get the ball on Opening Day for manager Oli Marmol. Starting the first spring game doesn't guarantee that will happen, but it does show a level of trust and confidence in the southpaw.
He made those comments earlier in January to 'Cardinal Territory.'
Yeah. I'm not gonna lie. I want it. And it's something I've thought about since the season ended. You know, whether that honor is given to me or not, it's not 100 in my control, but, I'd be lying if I said that I'm not doing everything in my power to force their hand on that.
Veteran Dustin May was signed to a one-year deal this offseason and could be in the mix for the Opening Day start, but it's likely that Liberatore has the edge as a longtime Cardinal.
About Liberatore
Just 26 years old, Liberatore made his major league debut in 2022. Originally drafted in the first round by the Tampa Bay Rays, he was traded to St. Louis in the deal that sent Randy Arozarena to Tampa (2020).
A reliever for most of 2024, Liberatore broke out in the rotation in 2025, going 8-12 with a 4.21 ERA in 29 starts. He struck out 122 batters in 151.2 innings, so he'll have to continue to develop some swing-and-miss stuff, but he looks like a solid pillar for the rebuilding Cardinals in the rotation.
The Arizona native is under team control through 2029 and will pair with Andre Pallante, May, Hunter Dobbins, Michael McGreevy and Richard Fitts as rotation options. Young prospects like Quinn Matthews, Jurrangelo Cijntje and Liam Doyle could factor into the plans as well.
Other Cardinals news and notes
--The Cardinals have been looking for additional outfield help this offseason, but might they try an infielder in that spot? It looks like it's a possibility.
--Pitching prospect Ixan Hernandez is dealing with an arm issue early in spring, and here's what we know so far.
--St. Louis has been drawing on the help of its legends early in camp: Ozzie Smith is in Jupiter, Fla., as is Yadier Molina, who was just hired as a special assistant to Chaim Bloom.
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