Cardinals Shouldn’t Entertain Masyn Winn, Alec Burleson Trade Talk as Young Core Takes Shape

A rebuild with fewer trade targets

Bloom’s first major task in St. Louis was to trade veterans and replenish the farm system. Nolan Arenado went to the Arizona Diamondbacks, while Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras joined the Boston Red Sox; Brendan Donovan was dealt to the Seattle Mariners.

Despite those moves, the Cardinals won just one fewer game in 2026. The roster now includes young players who could improve in 2027, and the organization has one of baseball’s strongest farm systems.

With fewer clear trade candidates available, the club could add modestly this offseason, particularly in the bullpen and back of the rotation. That approach would leave the current young group in place.

Trade speculation focuses on two

Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer identified Burleson and Winn as St. Louis’ leading trade assets. He argued that a rebuilding team might trade Burleson after a strong season, while describing Winn’s offense as a concern despite his defense at shortstop.

The case for keeping both players rests partly on their current value and team control. The article says each should be considered a core piece rather than a trade candidate.

Winn’s defense and roster fit

Winn struggled at the plate in 2026, but he was not at full strength for part of the season. He remained an elite defensive shortstop and, according to the article, should have won the Gold Glove Award.

At 24, Winn is young, and the Cardinals do not have an obvious shortstop replacement ready. JJ Wetherholt could move to the position, but that would raise a question about second base.

Jesus Baez might affect the picture once he is ready for the major leagues, but the article says that point has not arrived. For now, it argues that trading Winn or Burleson is unnecessary.