Matthew Liberatore
#32 SP · Cardinals
Height
6'4"
Weight
215 lbs
Age
26
College
N/A
Draft
2018, Rd 1, #16
Experience
4 yrs
Bats/Throws
L/L
B-
C-
A
—
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsC-
| Year | Team | GP | ERA | W-L | K | WHIP | IP | SV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 122 | 4.53913 | 16-24 | 276 | 1.3652174 | 0.0 | 0 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
Total Value
$2.3M
Guaranteed
$1.4M
AAV
$2.3M/yr
Guaranteed %60%
Contract Value Index (CVI)
B-
Good Value
OverpayFair ValueGreat Value
Matthew Liberatore's one-year, $2.3M deal with the Cardinals earns a B- CVI, representing solid value for a former top prospect still working to establish himself as a consistent big league starter. The southpaw has shown flashes of the potential that made him a first-round pick, but inconsistent command and durability concerns have prevented him from breaking through as more than a solid starter in the rotation. At $2.3M, the Cardinals are paying below-market rate for starting pitching depth, which makes this a reasonable gamble given their competitive window and Liberatore's remaining upside at just 25 years old. The short-term commitment gives St. Louis flexibility while allowing Liberatore to prove he can handle a full starter's workload — if he stays healthy and harnesses his stuff, this could look like a steal. However, the lingering questions about his ceiling and injury history prevent this from grading higher, making it a sensible but unspectacular move for a team that needs rotation depth more than frontline talent.
Fan & Media Sentiment
A
Very Positive
NegativeNeutralPositive
Matthew Liberatore, a starting pitcher for the Cardinals, carries mixed-to-positive public sentiment based on their solid contributions. His B performance grade positions him as a solid contributor at the starting pitcher position. While he has yet to earn major individual awards, his contributions to the Cardinals keep him in the conversation. On a contract worth $2.3M/year, the modest salary keeps pressure manageable while any breakout would be a bonus. Fan opinion is divided, with some appreciating his potential while others point to inconsistencies that temper enthusiasm. At 26, entering his prime window, the outlook remains positive as he approaches or occupies his peak years.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, 4/13 | vs CLE | L 3-9 | - | - | - | 0 | - | - | - |
| Tue, 4/7 | @ WAS | W 7-6 | - | - | - | 0 | - | - | - |
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