When Cardinals coach Ryan Ludwick first saw Quinn Mathews on the mound in 2024, one name instantly came to mind: Clayton Kershaw.
Ludwick, a former MLB outfielder turned coach, knew the weight of such a comparison. Kershaw, a two-time World Series champion, 10-time All-Star, and three-time Cy Young winner, is one of the greatest pitchers of his generation. Yet, something about Mathews his presence, his electric pitches, and his fierce competitiveness reminded Ludwick of a young Kershaw.
“I don’t like making comparisons because they can be tough to live up to,” Ludwick admitted. “But when I watched him throw that live BP, I couldn’t help but think of Kershaw. Big, tall lefty with great stuff. Obviously, he has a long journey ahead to reach that level, but the energy he brings and the way he rose through the system last year there’s something special about him.”
Mathews, ranked as the Cardinals’ No. 2 prospect and No. 45 overall in MLB, put his talent on display in Friday’s Spring Breakout game. The 24-year-old southpaw threw three scoreless innings in a 3-3 tie against Miami’s top prospects. Coming off a dominant 2023 season where he struck out 202 batters and was named Minor League Baseball’s Pitching Prospect of the Year Mathews logged three strikeouts and three walks in his latest outing.
Despite the clean performance, Mathews wasn’t entirely satisfied.
“I wasn’t sharp, and that’s okay. You’re going to have outings like that,” Mathews said. “The real test is how you still put together quality innings when you’re not at your best. I made some key pitches when I had to, but I also gave away at-bats I shouldn’t have. Mechanically, there are some things to clean up.”
Hearing Ludwick’s Kershaw comparison left Mathews stunned.
“That’s probably one of the biggest compliments you can get,” Mathews said. “Being compared to arguably the best arm of our generation that’s huge. Maybe in terms of competitiveness, but physically, I’m not there yet. Still, it’s an incredible honor.”
Mathews had strong defensive support behind him as well. Center fielder Nathan Church gunned down Marlins first baseman Deyvison De Los Santos at home plate, while catcher Jimmy Crooks ranked as the Cardinals’ No. 4 prospect threw out a baserunner at second.
Mathews’ arsenal was on full display. His fastball touched 95 mph, complemented by a deceptive changeup and a sharp curveball. He breezed through a perfect first inning, battled through two walks in the second, and showcased his wipeout stuff in the third striking out Carter Johnson with an 83 mph slider and fooling Javier Sanoja with a well-placed changeup.
Crooks, who caught Mathews in the minors, believes the lefty is just scratching the surface.
“Quinn’s a perfectionist just like I am so he didn’t think his stuff was great, but he still threw three scoreless innings,” Crooks said with a laugh. “It’s a long Spring Training, and once the season starts, he’ll be a whole different Quinn Mathews just like last year. He’s going to dominate, and I love catching him.”
With high expectations and a Kershaw comparison already attached to his name, Mathews is embracing the challenge. If his rise through the minors is any indication, the Cardinals may have something special on their hands.
