St. Louis Cardinals' rookie shortstop Masyn Winn is making a strong case for a permanent role in the team, having started 14 of the 18 games in 2024 and impressively batting for a .362 average with a .886 OPS. He showcased his value in a recent game against the Oakland Athletics by contributing to the 3-2 win with a sacrifice fly and excellent base running, drawing praise from Cardinals Manager Oli Marmol for his improved patience and control at the plate. His contact and plate discipline have been standout features, with a low whiff percentage of 14% and an optimal launch angle 43.9% of the time he makes contact. Furthermore, Winn's defense, highlighted by his impressive arm strength and sprint speed, has further bolstered his value to the team.

By the Numbers
  • Winn has started 14 of the Cardinals’ 18 games in 2024
  • He is batting for a .362 average with a .886 OPS
  • Winn has a 14% whiff percentage and finds an optimal launch angle 43.9% of the time
State of Play
  • Winn's success and Crawford’s struggles make it harder for Marmol to keep Winn out of the starting lineup
  • Winn ranks third among infielders in average throw speed at 92.4 mph and has a 28.4 ft/s sprint speed
Bottom Line

With his remarkable performance, Masyn Winn is proving himself as a formidable candidate for a permanent shortstop role, showcasing improved batting metrics, exceptional defensive skills, and a profound impact on the team's performance.