The St. Louis Cardinals face an uphill battle to reach the postseason this year, holding a 57-57 record and sitting fourth in the National League Central as of late May 2025. With star slugger Nolan Arenado placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right shoulder strain, fresh opportunities have emerged for key hitters like Masyn Winn within the Cardinals lineup opportunity.
The Cardinals have struggled offensively, ranking 10th-worst in MLB with a .705 OPS, while competitors such as the Brewers and Cubs continue to push for division dominance. Arenado, an eight-time All-Star and ten-time Gold Glove winner, has been inconsistent this season, batting just .235 with 10 home runs and 43 RBIs. His injury has forced the team to activate Nolan Gorman, creating room for other sluggers to step forward during this critical stretch.
Emerging hitters poised to fill the void left by Arenado
Masyn Winn stands out as the Cardinals’ promising young shortstop who has gained substantial traction in 2025. The 22-year-old’s .270 batting average, combined with a .720 OPS and 42 RBIs, marks a breakout season, reinforcing his status as a cornerstone of the team’s future. With Arenado sidelined, Winn’s rising performance could provide a timely boost that the Cardinals need to stay competitive as they eye a late-season turnaround.
Nolan Gorman, Arenado’s replacement at third base, has encountered challenges this season, carrying a .222 batting average with a .308 on-base and .401 slugging percentage. He has accounted for nine home runs and 31 RBIs so far, numbers that fall short of his 2023 peak when he hit 27 homers. Nonetheless, Gorman’s experience and previous power display position him well to seize this extended opportunity and solidify his role in the lineup.
Alec Burleson has continued to elevate his game through 2025, improving on an impressive 2024 campaign. Now hitting .281 with an .793 OPS and 14 home runs, Burleson has shown versatility across first base, left field, and designated hitter. His consistent production makes him arguably the team’s most potent slugger this year, provided he sustains this momentum after Arenado’s absence deprives the lineup of its veteran power.
Willson Contreras remains a key offensive figure for the Cardinals, appearing in the most games and leading with the highest number of at-bats and home runs at 15, matching his total from last year. Transitioning fully from his longtime catcher role to first base, Contreras maintains a solid .256 batting average. The three-time All-Star’s leadership and steady power will be essential as the team attempts to ignite a late push without Arenado.
The broader implications of lineup changes for the Cardinals’ season
With the Cards’ playoff chances dimming, the absence of a centerpiece player like Nolan Arenado significantly reshapes both the roster and the team’s offensive strategies. Players like Masyn Winn and Nolan Gorman now carry greater responsibility to generate runs and provide consistent production. At the same time, veterans such as Willson Contreras are expected to continue guiding the lineup with their experience and power.
These shifts will test the adaptability and depth of the Cardinals’ roster as they seek to close a 5.5-game gap in the wild card race. If Winn and other emerging sluggers can capitalize on this opportunity and deliver strong performances, the team may still spark a recovery in the latter part of the season. How the Cardinals manage this transition could influence decisions around player development and roster composition moving forward.
“He’s been getting better and better every day this year.” —Cardinals Coach
“It’s a big opportunity for me to show what I can do.” —Masyn Winn