The St. Louis Cardinals’ 2025 resurgence was fueled by a wave of emerging talent, and the front office responded decisively by prioritizing long-term security for several key players. With the team’s youthful core powering their success, St. Louis finalized a multi-tiered extension plan to ensure stability while maintaining financial flexibility.
Rather than attempting to lock up every breakout name, the Cardinals implemented a smart, strategic approach by dividing their extension candidates into three tiers—based on development stage, impact, and future value.
Tier 3: Early Commitments Could Reap Major Rewards
Matthew Liberatore and Victor Scott II
The Cardinals made bold moves by extending both Matthew Liberatore and Victor Scott II, two of the season’s biggest surprises.
Liberatore, a former top prospect, finally delivered on his potential. Despite a shaky start in one outing against Texas, he posted a 3.08 ERA across 11 starts and struck out 56 in 64.1 innings—establishing himself as a frontline-caliber starter. Betting on his continued growth, the team signed him to a team-friendly deal that could be a bargain if he sustains this form.
Scott, who earned the center field job after an electric spring, impressed with a .262/.337/.357 slash line and 16 stolen bases. Though not yet a star, his elite speed, glove, and developing bat made him an ideal extension candidate. His new contract locks in potential value before his market price could soar.
Both deals carried risk—Liberatore could regress, and Scott may plateau—but the upside was too great to ignore.
Tier 2: Strong Cases for Extensions with Years of Control Remaining
Alec Burleson and Masyn Winn
After solidifying their roles as everyday players, Alec Burleson and Masyn Winn became clear-cut extension candidates.
Burleson brought balance to the lineup with his consistent bat (.270+ average) and positional versatility, while Winn, a spark plug at shortstop, provided elite defense and surprising pop, slashing .280+ with double-digit steals and extra-base hits. Both still had multiple years of team control, but the Cardinals moved early to lock them up through their prime, ensuring cost certainty and long-term continuity.
Tier 1: Franchise Cornerstones Get the Long-Term Deals They Deserved
Ivan Herrera and Brendan Donovan
At the top of the Cardinals’ list were Ivan Herrera and Brendan Donovan, two indispensable parts of the lineup who earned significant paydays.
Herrera, the breakout catcher of 2025, produced an eye-popping 185 wRC+ and became a force behind the plate, both defensively and offensively. The Cardinals rewarded him with a contract that runs deep into the next decade.
Donovan, one of MLB’s most versatile and consistent producers, continued to thrive at the plate and in the field. His extension reflected his value as both a leader and lineup stabilizer.
With extensions now in place for key figures like Herrera, Donovan, Winn, Liberatore, Scott, and Burleson, the Cardinals have laid the foundation for sustained success. Their approach preserved flexibility while securing the pillars of the next great St. Louis team.
The message was clear: the Cardinals aren’t just rebuilding—they’re reloading, with a blueprint centered around their rising stars.
