Cardinals rumors: 3 elite prospects to trade, 1 to keep

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JUNE 21: Ivan Herrera #47 of the St. Louis Cardinals during batting practice as the sun shines through the stadium panels before the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on June 21, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Cardinals defeated the Brewers 6-2. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /

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Matthew Liberatore, St. Louis Cardinals (Photo by Brett Davis/Getty Images) /

The Cardinals should trade prospect Matthew Liberatore

Now fourth in the Cardinals’ Prospect Rankings, Liberatore is one in a backlog of options for the starting rotation this spring.

Liberatore spent most of his time in 2022 with the Memphis Redbirds but was brought up as a spot starter later in the season to eat innings down the stretch. During his time with the Cardinals, he was 2-2 in nine games, and 34.2 innings pitched. He struck out 28 batters, walked 18, and gave up 23 earned runs. He threw five wild pitches. Liberatore started seven games while finishing one.

If Liberatore impresses this spring training and breaks camp with the Cardinals, he could be one of the later starting rotation options or a long relief specialist. The lefty has tons of potential and is a prospect the organization has regarded highly.

This spring, however, will be essential for the young man. He will have to show that he has made improvements since last season. He will need to clarify for himself what his role will be on this team. Will he be a key lefty in the rotation, or will he flounder and make himself susceptible to a move to improve the rotation? The choice is up to him.

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