Ranking the 15 best St. Louis Cardinals players under 25

#5 LHP Matthew Liberatore

"But wait, Matthew Liberatore has been a terrible starting pitcher in the majors!" Yes, I know. But I also know that he's been a dominant reliever all year for the Cardinals, and that's worth something. For a team that is looking to be frugal these next few years, having reliable internal pitchers who can be relievers can save quite a bit of money.

Matthew Liberatore has been just that this year. He has a 3.69 ERA as a reliever, and he struck out 55 batters in 63.1 innings. Toward the end of the year, Libby began seeing more work in high-leverage situations. He was a starting pitcher as a prospect, so he still has that in his DNA should the Cardinals want to stretch him out and use him in that role in future years. If they keep him in the bullpen, he still provides great value there. He's only 24 after all!

#4 INF JJ Wetherholt

JJ Wetherholt is going to be very good. The Cardinals first-round pick this year is already making a name for himself in very limited time. In only 29 games and 105 at-bats, Wetherholt was able to slash .295/.405/.400 for the Palm Beach Cardinals. He hit two home runs and walked (16 BBs) more times than he struck out (15 Ks). His bat-to-ball skills and patience at the plate are enviable and well beyond his age.

Wehttherholt, 22, bats left-handed, and he can play multiple positions across the infield. He played shortstop primarily in college, but he would be a plus defender at either second base or third base. With a player later on this list locking down shortstop for the next five years, Wetherholt should become comfortable at the hot corner or on the other side of second base.