😲 Shocking Surprises and Disappointments: 5 Cardinals Players Off to Startling 2025 Campaigns That Have Fans Talking
After a slow start to the season, the St. Louis Cardinals have roared back to life—now riding a six‑game winning streak following a sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates and a dominant 10‑0 victory over the Washington Nationals. Amid the resurgence, individual performances have ranged from breakout heroes to unexpected letdowns. Here’s a deep dive into the five Cardinals whose early 2025 form has the fanbase buzzing—for better and for worse.
1. Matthew Liberatore – From Bullpen Depth to Rotation Ace (Surprise, Good)
Stat Line: 7 starts, 3–3 record, 3.07 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 41 K, 17 BB in 46.1 IP
When the trade that sent Randy Arozarena to Tampa Bay fetched Matthew Liberatore, skeptics wondered if the southpaw could ever anchor a rotation. After two shaky relief outings, the Cardinals experimented—slotting him as their fifth starter with veteran Steven Matz shifting to long relief. The gamble has paid off handsomely. In his latest outing, Liberatore fired seven innings of one‑run ball, scattering three hits and fanning eight. Pitching coach Dusty Blake has praised his refined arsenal, particularly a slider that freezes hitters and a fastball that now sits comfortably in the mid‑90s with late life.
“He’s embraced the starter’s routine,” Blake said. “His command is tighter, and you can see the confidence growing each time he takes the mound.”
Liberatore’s emergence gives St. Louis a bona fide lefty to face National League sluggers and has Zimmer’s club dreaming of a third starter capable of eating innings deep into the season.
2. Lars Nootbaar – The Glue Guy Who’s Glued a Whole Offense (Surprise, Good)
Stat Line: .321 AVG, .385 OBP, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 8 SB in 27 games
A versatile outfielder and veteran of two World Series runs, Lars Nootbaar began the season in the doghouse—struggling to find consistency at the plate. But over the past fortnight, he’s turned into the sparkplug the Cardinals envisioned. Boasting a robust .450 on‑base percentage over his last ten games, Nootbaar has ignited rallies with key knocks and stolen eight bases, showcasing both aggression and patience.
General Manager John Mozeliak recently told The Athletic’s Katie Woo that Nootbaar “has been everything we hoped for and more,” pointing to his “infectious energy” and timely hitting that have sparked the team’s recent winning streak.
3. Brendan Donovan – College Underdog to Big‑League Difference‑Maker (Surprise, Good)
Stat Line: .294 AVG, .360 OBP, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 4 2B in 26 games
Once a sixth‑round pick with a marginal prospect grade, utility man Brendan Donovan has blossomed into a key contributor. Filling in across second base, left field, and at DH, Donovan’s knack for hard contact and situational hitting has filled the offensive void left by injuries. His .500 slugging percentage and a team‑leading 15 RBIs through May 8 rank him among the most productive young hitters in the National League.
Manager Oliver Marmol lauded Donovan’s approach: “He doesn’t press. He shows up every day ready to learn and adjust, and it’s paying dividends.”
4. Nolan Gorman – Power Prospect Plagued by Growing Pains (Disappointment, Bad)
Stat Line: .212 AVG, .278 OBP, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 38 K in 22 games
Heralded as the centerpiece of the Cardinals’ youth movement, Nolan Gorman has instead become a cautionary tale of unchecked expectations. After missing time with a hamstring strain, Gorman has struggled to regain his swing—striking out in over 40% of his plate appearances and batting just .212. Once pegged for 30+ homers, he’s barely eclipsed double digits in slugging percentage.
“[We’ve] challenged ourselves to find him at‑bats and confidence,” Mozeliak admitted. “But he’s got to put in the work with Brant Brown to unlock that power again.”
Unless Gorman rediscovers his stroke, the Cardinals may have to re‑examine plans to slide him in daily, rather than as a part‑time DH or late‑inning pinch‑hitter.
5. Jordan Walker – Rookie Bloom or Rookie Blues? (Disappointment, Bad)
Stat Line: .198 AVG, .259 OBP, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 29 K in 20 games
Entering 2025 as the Cardinals’ prize rookie, Jordan Walker arrived amid lofty praise for his combination of bat speed and defensive versatility. Instead, he’s floundered at the plate, embarrassed by breaking pitches, and marred by mental lapses in the field. His lone home run feels more like a flash in the pan than a sign of true power.
Veteran teammates have rallied around him, but Manager Marmol warned that roster spots are earned: “Walker’s talent is undeniable. Now we need to see effort and results every day.”
What’s Next?
As the calendar turns to June, the Cardinals will look to solidify roles. If Liberatore, Nootbaar, and Donovan maintain their upward arcs, St. Louis could surprise as playoff contenders. But until Gorman and Walker solve their mechanical and mental slumps, uncertainty remains.
For now, Cardinals fans can celebrate the unpredictable ride—cheering the breakout stars while hoping the prized youngsters find their footing in this make‑or‑break stretch of the 2025 season.
