In a recent interview, former Pitcher of the Year Quinn Mathews opened up about his journey, shedding light on the challenges he faced and the lessons learned during a difficult season.
The St. Louis Cardinals organization has been building a formidable pitching roster, prioritizing high-velocity right-handed pitchers under the leadership of Chaim Bloom. However, they also boast a deep pool of talented pitchers in the upper minors, ready to make their mark on the big league. Among them, Quinn Mathews stood out last offseason, fresh off winning the Cardinals' minor league Pitcher of the Year award and skyrocketing up the prospect rankings.
Mathews' success earned him a coveted invitation to big league Spring Training, where he faced off against the mighty Toronto Blue Jays and their star hitters. Despite a solid performance, he was the first pitcher reassigned to the minor league camp, marking a turning point in his season. This setback provided an opportunity for growth as he worked closely with the player development staff.
Reflecting on his struggles, Mathews revealed a shift in mindset during an interview at Winter Warm-Up. When asked about his shoulder injury and command issues, he acknowledged the need to be a 'realist' rather than 'pessimistic.' He drew inspiration from Tyler Glasnow's concept of 'mound traumas,' using these experiences as catalysts for improvement. Mathews recognized that the perception of his 2025 season as a letdown was a result of his exceptional performance the year before. Drawing a parallel to his sophomore college year, he believes he can overcome these challenges and rebound in 2026.
Teammate Michael McGreevy, a rotation veteran, offered insight into Mathews' self-assessment. McGreevy, with his brief but impactful Major League experience, serves as a voice of reason for Mathews, who can be overly critical of himself. McGreevy shared a conversation where Mathews downplayed his success, focusing on the two walks he allowed rather than the impressive 12 strikeouts.
Mathews is eager to leave last season's struggles behind, having learned from veteran Sonny Gray. With a healthy mindset and body, he sets his sights on a longer stay at the major league camp this spring. The rotation remains somewhat uncertain beyond Dustin May, Matthew Liberatore, and Michael McGreevy, presenting an opportunity for Mathews to make his mark. While Kyle Leahy and Andre Pallante are early favorites, newcomers Hunter Dobbins and Richard Fitts, along with Mathews, are poised to challenge for spots, adding an intriguing element of competition.
