The St. Louis Cardinals’ Masyn Winn has distinguished himself as possibly the best defensive shortstop in all of Major League Baseball during the current season. Despite a challenging year for the Cardinals as a team, Winn’s exceptional fielding skills have shone through, making him a defensive cornerstone for the club in 2024.
Now in just his second full MLB season, Winn combines solid offensive contributions with unparalleled defensive impact. He maintains a batting line of .265/.320/.384, with eight home runs and 53 RBIs, while leading baseball with 21 outs above average. This defensive metric places him three outs ahead of his nearest competitor, Pete Crow-Armstrong, highlighting Winn’s elite status on the field.
Leading the Pack Among Shortstops
Among all shortstops in the league, Masyn Winn’s defensive prowess is unmatched, with Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals currently ranking as his closest rival. If Winn continues his high level of play, he stands a strong chance of becoming the first Cardinals shortstop to earn a Gold Glove Award since Edgar Renteria in 2003, marking a significant milestone for the franchise.
With many games still remaining, Winn’s consistent excellence indicates he could sustain or even improve his defensive dominance as the season progresses.
Teammates and Experts Praise Winn’s Defensive Abilities
The young infielder’s defensive talent has not gone unnoticed by those around him. Cardinals teammate Brendan Donovan has expressed high admiration for Winn’s skills, calling him one of the best defensive players he has ever witnessed. Donovan highlighted Winn’s impressive arm strength, accuracy, game awareness, and aggressive instincts.
“He’s one of the best defenders I have ever seen in my life,” Brendan Donovan said. “You can talk about the arm strength, the accuracy of his throws, the carry on his throws, the mental clock in his head, the instincts, the awareness to read swings and be in the right spots, the aggressiveness — his ability to do everything at a high level is incredibly impressive…I’m serious, he’s the best defender I’ve ever seen … and he’s only getting better.”
Such endorsements reinforce how integral Winn has become to the Cardinals’ defense and suggest he is just beginning to reach his potential.
Winn’s Impact Reflects Bright Future for the Cardinals
The Cardinals are fortunate to have this 23-year-old defensive prodigy on their roster, and the team’s future looks promising with Winn anchoring their infield. His development as a premier defender shapes him not only as a key contributor today but possibly as a cornerstone of the organization’s success for years to come.
Masyn Winn’s defensive excellence is rewriting expectations and history in St. Louis, offering Cardinals fans reason for excitement as he pursues further accolades and continues to elevate his game at an elite level.