Cardinals' Speedy Outfielder Emerges as 'Player to Watch'

Victor Scott II's defensive prowess and baserunning skills could make him a cornerstone player for St. Louis.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The St. Louis Cardinals have a talented young core, and one player generating buzz is 24-year-old outfielder Victor Scott II. Despite struggling offensively in his first full MLB season in 2025, Scott's elite defense and baserunning have scouts and analysts excited about his potential to develop into an All-Star-caliber player.

Why it matters

The Cardinals are in a transitional period, having traded away veteran players to open up roster spots for younger talent. If Scott and other young position players like Masyn Winn, Iván Herrera, and Alec Burleson can take a step forward, it could accelerate the team's rebuild and make them competitive sooner than expected.

The details

Scott, a fifth-round pick in 2022, reached the majors in just 20 months and made his MLB debut in 2025. While he struggled at the plate, slashing .216/.305/.296 with 5 homers and 34 stolen bases, his elite defense and baserunning skills were evident. He ranked in the 99th percentile in outs above average, 100th percentile in sprint speed, 94th percentile in baserunning value, and 96th percentile in fielding run value.

  • The Cardinals are heading into Spring Training in 2026.
  • Scott's first full MLB season was in 2025.

The players

Victor Scott II

A 24-year-old outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals who is generating buzz as a 'player to watch' in 2026 due to his elite defensive and baserunning skills.

Masyn Winn

A young position player in the Cardinals' system who has gotten a lot of attention alongside other prospects like Iván Herrera and Alec Burleson.

Iván Herrera

A highly touted Cardinals prospect who has shown promise and could be part of the team's young core.

Alec Burleson

Another Cardinals prospect who has generated buzz and could contribute to the team's future success.

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What they’re saying

“Scott was a fifth-round pick out of West Virginia in 2022. Within 20 months, he was in the big leagues. And though some prospects can rise that quickly, others need more seasoning -- which some within the Cardinals believe describes Scott. They think that, as he enters his age-25 season, there's still a lot more upside with the bat.”

— Alden Gonzalez, ESPN (ESPN)

“On defense and baserunning alone, Scott is an extremely valuable asset. But he has slashed just .206/.283/.293 in 618 major league plate appearances. Developing into a league-average hitter could make Scott a cornerstone player at a time when the Cardinals are searching for some. They'd love for it to happen now.”

— Alden Gonzalez, ESPN (ESPN)

What’s next

The Cardinals will be closely monitoring Victor Scott II's development during Spring Training as they look for him to take a step forward offensively and solidify his status as a cornerstone player for the team's future.

The takeaway

The Cardinals' rebuild is being fueled by a talented young core, and Victor Scott II's elite defense and baserunning skills make him a player to watch in 2026. If he can improve his hitting, he could emerge as an All-Star-caliber player and help accelerate the team's return to contention.