After a period of unpredictability, the year 2024 could be pivotal in defining the careers of two pitchers from the Cardinals.

Despite the advanced data systems prevalent in major league training camps, many pitchers still focus on a fundamental aspect of the game: counting to five. This number represents the typical starting rotation and the slots teams need to finalize before the end of spring training. For the St. Louis Cardinals, these five pitchers are Kyle Gibson, Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, Steven Matz, and Miles Mikolas.

This clarity is understood by the players, the coaching staff, and importantly, the other pitchers in camp. However, questions remain about depth and potential obstacles. John Mozeliak, the president of baseball operations, acknowledges the constant risk of injuries that can test the team’s depth. Despite this, the Cardinals have confidence in their starting five.

This situation leaves left-handers Matthew Liberatore and Zack Thompson in a challenging position. Both players have moved between the minors and majors, as well as between the rotation and the bullpen, over the last two seasons. Liberatore, 24, has made 53 starts at Triple-A over three seasons, while Thompson, 26, has made 38 starts at that level over the same period, as they both seek to establish themselves in the rotation.

Both Matthew Liberatore and Zack Thompson were first-round picks, Liberatore by the Tampa Bay Rays and Thompson by the Cardinals. Despite opportunities to establish themselves as mainstays in the starting rotation, neither has fully capitalized on these chances. This uncertainty is a significant reason why the Cardinals acquired three outside starting pitchers, making the upcoming spring crucial for both Liberatore and Thompson.

Manager Oliver Marmol explained that decisions about their playing time paths can be deferred until later. The team can prepare them to throw multiple innings and work as starters, and as the season approaches, they can determine where they can provide the most assistance.

Both Liberatore and Thompson have expressed their desire to start, given their background as starters in the minors and the financial benefits of starting in baseball. However, they understand the possibility of being assigned to the bullpen and have focused on mentally preparing for this potential shift. Liberatore described his off season process of preparing mentally for both starting and relieving roles, creating a mental cushion to shield himself from disappointment.

Last season, Liberatore had his first extended stint pitching out of the bullpen with the Cardinals and saw success, with improvements in various metrics. Thompson, on the other hand, seemed poised to take on a high-leverage relief role in 2023 but was demoted as the team needed more innings. He struggled with building up his workload mid-stream rather than starting with a full innings load.

While Mozeliak doesn’t believe this spring will be career-defining for Liberatore and Thompson, there’s a chance that one or both could secure a spot in the starting rotation. The team is considering a six-man rotation due to their intense schedule, potentially offering one of the lefties a spot. The decision will likely depend heavily on their performance in spring training and the team’s bullpen needs.