Pair Of Cardinals Rising Stars Land On ESPN's Top 100 Prospect List
The St. Louis Cardinals are just about geared up to rebound from their tumultuous 2023 after addressing key roster issues this winter.
On top of the latest acquisitions, the Cardinals also have some internal reinforcements in the form of a pair of rising stars listed on ESPN's Top 100 Prospects List For 2024 to look forward to.
Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn was named the No. 20 prospect, according to ESPN's Kiley McDaniel. The 21-year-old phenom made his Major League Baseball debut last season with St. Louis and has a good chance of being the Cardinals' Opening Day shortstop.
Winn hit .288 with 40 extra-base hits including 18 home runs, 61 RBIs and a .833 OPS in 105 games played for Triple-A Memphis last season.
The young infielder was called up to the big leagues following the trade of Paul DeJong at last year's trade deadline where he logged .172/.230/238 with 21 hits in 37 games. His strong arm and promising offensive potential might prove to have an impact on the Cardinals in 2024.
After Winn comes right-handed pitcher Tink Hence at No. 49. The 21-year-old has been climbing his way up through the farm system since being drafted by St. Louis in 2020 but has not exceeded the Double-A level yet.
Hence posted a 4-6 record with a 4.31 ERA, 99-to-34 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .258 batting average against and a 1.33 WHIP in 96 innings pitched for High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield in 2023.
The rising starting pitcher has the potential to be an ace for the Cardinals one day but will need more time to develop before his debut.
Between the rejuvenated roster and the promising future of the organization with the loaded farm system -- Cardinals fans have every right to be excited for what's to come.
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