Evaluating the last 10 hyped prospect debuts for the St. Louis Cardinals

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Given Masyn Winn's recent promotion, it seems fitting to look back at other notable rookie debuts in recent Cardinals' history. For a team that usually doesn't have high draft picks, the Cardinals have been able to develop and identify high-end talent. Occasionally, those players will make their way onto national prospect lists.

The St. Louis Cardinals continually promote MLB-ready players. While some of these players are nationally recognized, others have fought through the minors only to subsequently prove themselves at the MLB level. Since 2013, there have been 10 top-100 prospects making their MLB debut for the Cardinals.

Oscar Taveras, Stephen Piscotty, Alex Reyes, Jack Flaherty, Tyler O'Neill, Dylan Carlson, Nolan Gorman, Matthew Liberatore, Jordan Walker, and Masyn Winn have all made their professional debuts since 2013. While it is always challenging to adjust to major-league talent, it is always possible for something great to happen. Let's take a look at the 7 recent prospect debuts that the Cardinals have had since 2013.

A few stipulations: first, the rookie must have been on MLB.com's top-100 prospect list at some point in his career since 2013. Second, the rookie's first complete game or start will be accounted for. If a player comes into a game in the 5th innings as a defensive replacement or reliever, that debut will not be analyzed. Lastly, these will not be rankings. This list is strictly a look back at recent top prospect debuts for the Cardinals.

Here are the statistics for the 10 recent debuts of the top St. Louis Cardinals players since 2013.

Oscar Taveras

The late Oscar Taveras was the most highly-touted prospect in the Cardinals system since Albert Pujols in the early 2000s. The five-tool outfielder had the personality and stature to go with his offensive and defensive profile. He made his debut on May 31st, 2014 in a game against the San Francisco Giants.

In that game, Taveras started in right field. In his second at bat, Taveras launched a rocket to deep right field. His trot around the field was filled with electric cheers from the sellout crowd. It seemed only fitting that Taveras would get his first hit as a home run. As with most rookies, Taveras did struggle the rest of the season. He ended the year having played 80 games with a slash line of .239/.278/.312 for an OPS+ of 66. Despite his mediocre inaugural season, expectations were high for the stud right fielder.

Sadly, Taveras passed away in a tragic car accident in October of 2014. While we can all imagine what could have been with Taveras, his first home run in his first game is a memory to cherish still.

Stephen Piscotty

Stephen Piscotty was loved by fans across baseball, especially by Cardinals fans. Drafted out of Stanford in 2012 by the Cardinals, Piscotty worked his way handily through the minors. He was once ranked as the 90th prospect overall in 2017. He made his debut on July 21st of 2015 against the Chicago White Sox.

In that game, Piscotty went 1-4 with a single and 2 strikeouts. He started in left field, and he played the entire game. Piscotty quickly endeared himself with Cardinals fans throughout his rookie season due to his strong defense, affable personality, and gritty performances at the plate. He would finish the season hitting .305/.359/.494 with 7 home runs and 39 RBIs. for an OPS+ of 130.

After another successful sophomore season, the Cardinals inked Piscotty to a 6-year, $33.5 million dollar deal. However, Piscotty couldn't replicate his early success throughout that contract. Eventually, the Cardinals traded Piscotty to Oakland in 2018 so he could be closer to his mother who was fighting ALS at the time.

Alex Reyes

Fans often wonder what could have been with Alex Reyes. Reyes was ranked as high as #6 in all of baseball in 2017. His dominant stuff and ace-type velocity made him a tantalizing prospect for the Cardinals. Reyes' first appearance came out of the bullpen on August 9th against the Reds. His first start came on August 27th against the Oakland Athletics.

In his first appearance, Reyes pitched the 9th inning; he struck out one batter and kept the bases empty. The team lost, but Reyes got his first inning under his belt. During Reyes's first start, he was able to make it through 4.2 innings and had 4 walks to go along with 4 strikeouts, but he only gave up one run. This was the beginning of a very dominant rookie season for Reyes. He would finish the season with 46 innings over 5 starts and 12 total appearances.

Reyes had a 1.57 ERA, 2.67 FIP, 1.217 WHIP, and struck out 52 batters in his first season. The rest of his career is filled with a variety of injuries, some great bullpen appearances, and a disappointing release from the Cardinals after they didn't sign him in the 2023 offseason. Reyes is a story of what could have been for Cardinals fans.

Jack Flaherty

Jack Flaherty had a high floor as a prospect. He reached #80 overall in 2016 for the Cardinals, and he was a pitcher that had high upside but was projected primarily as a mid-rotation starter. His strikeout potential made him an interesting candidate to possibly be an ace. The Cardinals held Flaherty in AAA all season until September 1st against the San Francisco Giants.

In his debut, Jack Flaherty pitched 4 innings. He struggled mightily, giving up 5 runs and 8 hits along with a walk. He did, however, strike out 6 batters. He would go on to pitch in 21.1 innings to an ERA of 6.33, a FIP of 5.27, and struck out 20 batters. He made 6 appearances during the 2017 season, 5 of which were starts.

Flaherty was recently traded to the Baltimore Orioles during the 2023 trade deadline. Throughout his career in St. Louis, Flaherty had a 3.41 ERA, 3.92 FIP, 1.108 WHIP, an ERA+ of 119, and even had Cy Young votes in his dominant 2019 season. While fans got tired of Flaherty not necessarily living up to expectations, he provided many memorable starts and moments for Cardinals fans throughout his career in St. Louis.

Tyler O'Neill

For all of the ups and downs of Tyler O'Neill's career, he was once a top prospect in all of baseball. When the Cardinals first traded for him in 2017, O'Neill was touted as a powerful corner outfielder who had high defensive potential. The former 36th overall prospect in baseball made his debut on April 19th, 2018 against the Chicago Cubs.

In that game, O'Neill went 0-1 and played only 1 inning as he pinch hit. Tyler's first start was on May 19th, a month later. At that point, he had already played in parts of 7 different games, and he had only recorded one hit, a single against the Phillies on May 18th. The next day, O'Neill started in left field; he went 1-3 with a home run and a walk.

At this point in his career, it is tough to judge if O'Neill has been a bust or not. While his injuries and inconsistency have plagued him, he has been an MVP candidate in the past. The hope is that O'Neill can return to his 2021 form soon and help lead the Cardinals to a 2024 playoff push.

Dylan Carlson

Dylan Carlson, still only 23, was a promising prospect for the Cardinals throughout his time in the minors. He was featured on many top-100 lists, but he made it all the way up to #13 in the 2020 preseason rankings. That same year, despite the delay caused by COVID, Carlson made his debut on August 15th. He played left field that game.

In that game, Carlson went 0-3 with a strikeout, but he would tally his first hit in the next game. His first home run came about a week later on August 23rd against the Reds. In his rookie season, Carlson slashed .200/.252/.364. It is important to note that Carlson played his entire first season in completely empty stadiums. It is tough enough for a new player to adjust to professional pitching, let alone adjust without a normal stadium environment.

Carlson's sophomore season was much better. In 2021, Carlson hit .266/.343/.437 with 18 home runs and an OPS+ of 118. Additionally, Carlson provided strong defense in the corner and some innings in center. Carlson has become persona non grata with many Cardinals fans, but his age (24), prospect history, and control (free agent in 2027) make him an interesting player for the future of the Cardinals.

Matthew Liberatore

Matthew Liberatore may be known forever as "the player whom the Cardinals got for Randy Arozarena". It may be unfair to judge Liberatore by that bar, as position players typically advance quicker and have more success earlier than pitchers. Liberatore's first start came on May 21st, 2022 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In 4.2 innings in Pittsburgh, Libby allowed 4 runs on 7 hits, had 3 strikeouts, and walked 2 batters. He did not factor in the decision of the game, but the Cardinals did pull off a win. Liberatore's next start was much more promising; he threw five innings, walked 3, struck out 6, and did not give up a run. He got his first career win in that game.

Liberatore is still only 23 years old. He has shown promise in some of his starts, but consistency would be great to see from the tall lefty. He will be fighting for a spot in the rotation next year, so the hope is that he finishes the 2023 season strong. His big curveball paired with a decent off-speed pitch could help him. Fastball velocity will be key to his success in the majors.

Nolan Gorman

Once a third baseman, Gorman had to make the transition to second base quickly after the Cardinals acquired Nolan Arenado in the late winter of 2021. Gorman was the Cardinals' first-round draft pick in the 2018 draft, going 19th overall. He made his debut on May 20th, 2022, just a day before his high school friend, Matthew Liberatore.

In his first game, Gorman played second base; he went 1-3 with a walk. His one hit was a single. Gorman was known for his powerful bat. His defense needed some work, but the expectation was that his bat would be the tool that would help him thrive at the major league level. His first home run came a week later on May 28th against the Brewers.

In his first season, Gorman had a slash line of .226/.300/.420 with 14 home runs and 35 RBI. He finished the year with a 105 OPS+. While Gorman can be streaky at times, he seems to have really tapped into his power this year. Despite some injuries limiting his playing time, Gorman has crushed 24 home runs already, putting himself near the top of the list for home runs hit by second basemen.

Jordan Walker

Jordan Walker has been the most exciting prospect to come out of the Cardinals' system since Oscar Taveras. The 6-foot-5 right-handed batter has always had a highly-graded hit tool. He was most recently the 4th-ranked prospect per MLB at the beginning of the 2023 season. The Cardinals were aggressive in promoting him, as he skipped AAA entirely at the beginning of the season.

Walker debuted on Opening Day 2023 against the Toronto Blue Jays. He went 1-5 with a walk and an RBI single in that game. He then went on to hit in 12 straight games, setting records for rookies. His first home run came on April 5th against the Atlanta Braves.

Walker had a hot start but did take some time to adjust to major-league pitching. His defense also left a lot to be desired, as he was actively learning a position (right field) he had barely played before in his high school or minor league career. On the season, Walker is hitting .257/.325/.417 with 11 home runs and 34 RBI for an OPS+ of 102. The 21-year-old has the potential to be one of the best hitters in baseball in the near future.

Masyn Winn

The most recent top prospect to be promoted is Masyn Winn. Winn has risen quickly through the Cardinals' farm system and national prospect lists. The highest point that he's reached in his career was #32 in this year's midseason rankings. O'Neill's debut came just the other night against the New York Mets in St. Louis.

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In his first game in the majors, Winn recorded a single and went 1-4 with a strikeout. There was quite a bit of drama surrounding his first career hit, as Pete Alonso threw the ball into the stands soon after receiving the throw from third. In true Winn fashion, the single was an infield hit that he legged out handily for his first career hit.

While Winn is able to hit for contact and some power, his calling card remains his speed and highlight-reel defense. He is the shortstop of the future for the Cardinals and should be a cornerpiece for a team that wishes to contend each year. The Cardinals will more than likely keep Winn up for the remainder of the season, albeit with a close view on his at-bats so that he maintains his rookie status for next year.

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