Cardinals Prospect Winn is Dominating in Memphis

Cardinals Prospect Winn Turns Heads at Spring Training

Winn and fellow 2020 draftee Jordan Walker were the top position players to watch at spring training, and they didn’t disappoint. The latter forced his way on the opening day roster, and many believed Winn was ready as well. The shortstop put up a .333/.393/.556 slash line in 18 spring training games, which had many fans clamoring for Winn to be the opening day  starting shortstop. However, the front office had other plans.

After a torrid start to the spring, Winn’s bat cooled off. The cold stretch continued through the first month of the Triple-A season. Seemingly, the struggles confirmed the organization’s belief that the middle-infielder needed a little more seasoning at the minor league level before he would be ready for the big leagues. He needed every day at-bats, and those weren’t going to be available at the major league level.

Not in the Plans for 2023

The Cardinals prospect Winn was never in the team’s plans for the 2023 season and understandably so. Winn hadn’t quite put things together at the plate in the minors but had continued to progress and show promise. He had displayed excellent defense highlighted by his cannon for an arm, good bat to ball skills, and the ability to get on base. The power and batting average was still a work in progress. Also, the team had Paul DeJong, Tommy Edman, Brendan Donovan, and Nolan Gorman already on the big league roster competing for playing time in the middle-infield. Additionally, there wasn’t any reason to start Winn’s service time clock just yet.

Trades and Injuries Clear Path to the Show

The Cardinals were busy at the trade deadline, acquiring young prospects for their players on expiring contracts. Shortstop Dejong was one of the players moved. Additionally, Donovan just underwent season ending surgery.

The departure of DeJong opens the way for Winn to finish out the season in the majors. Also,it gives him a true opportunity to take over as the everyday shortstop in 2024. Undoubtedly, Winn’s performance in Memphis this season has given the front office hope that he will be ready to take the reins at shortstop next season. The fans can most likely expect to see him called up in mid to late August, which will preserve his eligibility to compete for the rookie of the year award and the draft pick that comes along with it.