Masyn Winn Snubbed by MLB Network’s Shredder, but Fans Have His Back

MLB Network’s annual position-by-position rankings are always a hot topic this time of year, and their latest Top 10 shortstop list is no exception. While the algorithm-driven “Shredder” left Masyn Winn off the list for the second straight year, Cardinals fans made sure their young shortstop didn’t go unnoticed. In the fan vote, Winn landed at No. 9 – a nod to both his defensive brilliance and his potential at the plate.

Let’s be clear: Winn isn’t just a promising young player – he’s already one of the most impactful shortstops in the game defensively. According to FanGraphs’ Wins Above Replacement (fWAR), he ranked 10th among all shortstops last season.

That’s a significant step forward in just his second full MLB campaign. And while his offensive production hasn’t fully caught up to his glove yet, the tools are there – and so is the upside.

Gold Glove-Caliber Defense That’s Hard to Ignore

Winn’s defense is where he truly shines. He’s been nothing short of elite in the field, with only Bobby Witt Jr. – the consensus No. 1 shortstop by both the Shredder and the fans – posting better overall defensive metrics.

Winn’s range, arm strength, and instincts give the Cardinals a legitimate anchor at one of the game’s most demanding positions. He’s the kind of shortstop who makes the tough plays look routine and the impossible ones look merely difficult.

In a league that’s increasingly valuing offense at every position, shortstop is no longer just about who can flash the leather. But Winn’s glove is so good, it still moves the needle – and it’s why Cardinals fans were quick to recognize his value, even if the Shredder didn’t.

Offense Still Developing – But the Ceiling Is High

Offensively, Winn posted a 91 wRC+ last season – meaning he was 9% below league average. Not eye-popping, but also not unexpected for a 23-year-old still finding his rhythm at the plate.

It’s important to note that Winn played through multiple injuries during the season, including one that required meniscus surgery late in the year. That toughness didn’t go unnoticed in St.

Louis, where fans appreciate a player who grinds through adversity.

And while the numbers don’t fully reflect it yet, the power-speed combo is real. Winn flashed 20-homer, 20-steal potential in the minors, and if he’s fully healthy in 2026, there’s every reason to believe he can take a significant leap forward at the plate. He’s shown flashes – now it’s about consistency.

A Cornerstone for the Cardinals’ Future

For a Cardinals team that’s in the midst of reshaping its identity, Winn represents more than just a slick-fielding shortstop. He’s a foundational piece – a player who could become the face of the next great Cardinals core. He’s young, he’s talented, and he plays with the kind of energy that gets a fanbase buzzing.

The Cardinals had just one player in MLB Network’s Top 100 list this year, a stark reminder of the transition the franchise is undergoing. But Winn’s emergence offers hope. If he continues to grow at the plate and maintains his elite defense, this time next year there won’t be any debate – he’ll be on everyone’s Top 10 list, Shredder included.

For now, the fans got it right. And in a game that’s as much about feel as it is about formulas, that counts for something.