The St. Louis Cardinals face a lengthy and arduous rebuilding process. The organization is expected to lean into this reconstruction in the coming months, as they may try to reduce their roster through blockbuster transactions.
The Cardinals may potentially pursue free agency or sign some of its players to lucrative contract extensions.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report recently claimed that Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn will be among the next players in baseball to get a contract worth more than $250 million. Miller categorized Winn in “The ‘Shortstops Always Get Paid’ Tier” with CJ Abrams, Jeremy Peña, and Zach Neto.
Masyn Winn projected to land massive contract extension
Of the 18 players currently on contracts worth more than $275 million, six are shortstops: Bobby Witt Jr., Francisco Lindor, Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, Corey Seager, and Mookie Betts. (Yes, Betts was an RF when he signed his $365 million contract, but it simply means he swapped positions with current RF Fernando Tatis Jr., who was an SS when he signed his $340 million contract.)
“Peña would be the most likely candidate for $250M if he weren’t the eldest statesman.” Nonetheless, Turner was 29 when he inked his $300 million contract, and Bogaerts was nearly 30 when he received $280 million, so never say never. Abrams is definitely too big of a defensive liability to make the cut here, but after three consecutive seasons with at least 18 home runs and 31 stolen bases, a similar three-year run to free agency might earn him a lot of money.”
Winn is still a few years away from free agency, but he is moving in the right direction. He’d most likely need to go to the open market to get a deal for around $250 million, but it’s still possible.
Given Winn’s excellent glove, his bat has to be in the.850 OPS region to deserve a contract worth more than $250 million.
To avoid paying this massive fee after the 2029 season, the Cardinals might look at negotiating an extension. This offseason could be the ideal moment for them to investigate that possibility.