Former MLB pitcher Lance Lynn has issued a direct challenge to the St. Louis Cardinals, insisting that shortstop Masyn Winn must be moved to the top of the batting order for the 2026 season. Despite Winn’s defensive excellence, which earned him a Gold Glove in 2025, his offensive production has stalled, with the star hitting just .232 and posting a .625 OPS in recent play. Lynn believes the current placement is stifling Winn’s potential, stating, “If you do not put Masyn Winn in the top of the lineup to do what Masyn Winn is capable of, you keep putting him in a hole.”
Former ace argues current lineup placement is “disrespectful” to Winn’s elite talent
The former ace specifically criticized the Cardinals’ previous decision to slot Winn in the third or ninth spots, arguing that these positions fail to leverage his speed and on-base skills. “You gotta free him up… Last year, with you put him in the three hole, you just put him in a spot to just not be successful,” Lynn told Cardinal Territory. He went further, labeling the decision to place Winn in the ninth spot as “kind of disrespectful to his talent,” suggesting that the organization is underutilizing one of its most dynamic young players.
With Oliver Marmol expected to remain as manager, the Cardinals face a critical decision on how to structure their lineup for the upcoming campaign. Marmol is well-versed in Winn’s skill set, and implementing Lynn’s suggestion could be the key to unlocking greater offensive consistency. If the team fails to adjust, they risk continuing to suppress Winn’s high ceiling, potentially impacting the Cardinals’ overall competitiveness in the National League Central.
Source: Yahoo Sports
