With the trade deadline a week away, the Cardinals are leaning hard toward seller mode, and Lance Lynn just floated the kind of idea that would light up St. Louis: moving Gold Glove shortstop Masyn Winn.
That suggestion came as the Cardinals continue to slide, fresh off losing a series to the Cincinnati Reds and now staring at a four-game set with the Chicago Cubs. The broader picture is clear enough - the club may be looking to clear space for younger players and stockpile as many future assets as possible over the next several years.
Lynn, a 2011 World Series champion, took that idea a step further by arguing that the Cardinals should consider Winn as the piece that could bring back the kind of return that actually changes the organization. His thinking centered on JJ Wetherholt sliding into the shortstop spot if St. Louis decided to make the move.
"I make this move only if I think this. Do I think JJ can play a shortstop every day that I can get away with trading Masyn Winn for something that is really forward moving on maybe the pitching side, and I say, 'Hey, maybe I can get a top three or a young one or two from a contending team?"
Lynn said. "I think you have a serviceable shortstop that you just gave 100-plus million dollars to."
"That's a slap in the face. I don't care what anyone says."
Should the Cardinals trade Masyn Winn, or is it time for an extension? pic.twitter.com/aLOH7ot46n
The appeal of that kind of deal is straightforward: if Winn can bring back a real haul, the Cardinals at least have to listen. The focus, as the deadline approaches, should be on young, controllable starting pitching. That’s the type of return that could make a sell-off worthwhile.
There’s already a market template for that sort of thinking. The Seattle Mariners, according to the source material, have made it clear they’d be willing to trade right-hander Emerson Hancock if it helps them land a right-handed bat.
A return like that is the level St. Louis would be hoping to chase if it decided Winn was the piece to move.
And if Winn does go, the Cardinals have a simple internal path forward. Wetherholt could take over at shortstop, while second base would be opened up for someone else. Ramon Urias could be an option there if he comes back from the injured list.
It’s not the kind of move that would sit well with a lot of fans, especially with Winn still not extended. But if the Cardinals believe they can turn him into the kind of future help they need, the argument for listening is right there. If the other trade chips don’t bring back much, Winn may be the one player who could change that.
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