Cardinals Shouldn’t Entertain Masyn Winn, Alec Burleson Trade Talk as Rebuild Advances

A rebuild with fewer trade chips

When Chaim Bloom became the Cardinals’ president of baseball operations, he began by dealing veterans and replenishing the farm system. Nolan Arenado went to the Arizona Diamondbacks, while Sonny Gray and Willson Contreras joined the Boston Red Sox. Brendan Donovan was traded to the Seattle Mariners.

The Cardinals won just one fewer game in 2026 than the previous year, despite those moves. With young players expected to improve in 2027 and one of baseball’s best farm systems, the team could focus this offseason on the bullpen and back of the rotation.

Trade speculation targets two

Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer identified Alec Burleson and Masyn Winn as the Cardinals’ top trade assets. Rymer argued that a rebuilding team could sell high on Burleson before free agency after the 2028 season, while describing Winn as an elite defender whose hitting is a concern.

The case for moving either player is questioned by the view that St. Louis should retain both. Each has team control, and the team is seen as having reason to keep them as part of its core.

Burleson brings major production

Those numbers make Burleson a significant contributor for a young Cardinals roster. The argument against trading him is that the team need not give up that production while building around its current group.

Winn remains central at shortstop

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 was considered deserving of the Gold Glove Award. He is 24 years old.

The Cardinals do not have an obvious shortstop replacement ready. JJ Wetherholt could move there, but that would raise a question about second base; Jesus Baez’s readiness for the majors could alter the picture later.