2 Cardinals Prospects who should be untouchable at the MLB trade deadline

The trade deadline is approaching in the blink of an eye, as the St. Louis Cardinals' season slips away. The Cardinals are currently in fourth place in the NL Central, 11 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers. It is well-known that the team will trade players. Think of it as less of a rebuild that will make them competitive for 2024 and beyond. Numerous contracts for the Cardinals are expiring and will lead players to get traded.

The Cardinals have put their backs against the wall this season, with pitching being what the Birds will target at the deadline. Their itching was more of a pothole that was seen miles ahead of this season but failed to be fixed for the Cardinals coming into the 2023 season, and it has clearly shown. The Cardinals are ranked 22nd in the entire league in ERA, 27th in WHIP, and 28th in opponent average. Pitching should and will be a clear focus at the deadline.

Of course, when the Cardinals think of trades, prospects will be involved. There are specific prospects that have been untouchable in the past that the Cardinals passed upon. For example, last year the Cardinals refused to give up Gorman at the trade deadline, and now he could be considered a potential trade candidate today. The Cardinals should have a few prospects in our system that are just as important as Jordan Walker and Nolan Gorman, as these two prospects are going to be the future of the Cardinals moving forward.

1. Masyn Winn

The number 1 prospect of the Cardinals should be untouchable for the future of the Cardinals. A #1 prospect at the SS position comes along once in a blue moon, and that's what the Cardinals are going to make room for. I wrote a previous article explaining earlier in the season that there is and will be a logjam in the infield with Masyn Winn knocking on the door, and that still stands true. The Cardinals are in a position where they have to make moves to make room for the star-studded middle infielder.

A quick update on how Winn is performing in AAA: he is slashing a line of .278/.347/.426 with 16 SB on the year as well. While Winn made his mark by throwing an absolute missile across the diamond in the Futures Game last year, he shows that he can handle the bat well too. The SS has only made 1 error at the position this year, playing 66 games at SS. While it is unclear whether he will be up for this year's looming trades, this is what John Mozeliak had to say about when Winn will be coming up.

"I love what we’re seeing out of him right now, but in terms of playing time it would be very difficult at this point. Maybe in early August, I’ll revisit that."

Winn's impeccable fielding with above-average hitting only comes every so often in the majors. His plus arm has drawn comparisons to Francisco Lindor. While the Cardinals need to make as many moves as possible in order to get the rotation they need, they have to keep Masyn Winn, even though his value is through the roof. Whether this is trading DeJong, Donovan, or Edman, his value will only increase.