Cardinals Infielder Masyn Winn Poised for Breakout Season

Winn's Offensive Projections Could Make Him an All-Star

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:38pm

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St. Louis Cardinals infielder Masyn Winn is poised for a breakout season in 2026 after winning a Gold Glove in 2025 as the best defensive shortstop in baseball. While his teammate JJ Wetherholt has garnered more attention, Winn's offensive projections suggest he could take a big step forward at the plate and become an All-Star-caliber player.

Why it matters

The Cardinals have a bright future in their infield with both Winn and Wetherholt, and Winn's potential offensive breakout could help the team through its current reset period as quickly as possible.

The details

In 2025, Winn slashed .253/.310/.363 with 9 home runs and 51 RBIs in 129 games, but his defensive prowess at shortstop earned him his first Gold Glove Award. In 2024, he had a stronger offensive season, slashing .267/.314/.416 with 15 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases as a 4.9-WAR player. FanGraphs' 2026 Steamer projection for Winn is a .261/.320/.405 slash line with 16 home runs, 68 RBIs, and 78 runs scored, which would make him an All-Star-caliber player if he can match that production while maintaining his elite defense.

  • In 2025, Winn won his first Gold Glove Award as the best defensive shortstop in baseball.
  • In 2024, Winn slashed .267/.314/.416 with 15 home runs, 57 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases as a 4.9-WAR player.

The players

Masyn Winn

A 23-year-old infielder for the St. Louis Cardinals who is entering his fourth big league season. In 2025, he was the best defensive shortstop in baseball, winning his first Gold Glove Award, but his offensive numbers took a step back due to a knee injury.

JJ Wetherholt

A 23-year-old infielder for the St. Louis Cardinals who is the team's No. 1 prospect and has had a big Spring Training, and is expected to make the Opening Day roster.

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The takeaway

Masyn Winn's potential offensive breakout, combined with his elite defensive skills, could make him an All-Star-caliber player for the Cardinals and help the team navigate its current reset period. While JJ Wetherholt has garnered more attention, Winn's development is just as crucial to the Cardinals' future success.