The St. Louis Cardinals are in the midst of a retooling phase, hoping to see meaningful contributions from their younger players as they build toward the future. Still, St. Louis is off to a strong start, winning its first two series of the year despite lowered expectations.
They took the finale against the New York Mets on Wednesday thanks to one of those young players, shortstop Masyn Winn, who delivered a walk-off single to give the Cardinals a 2‑1 win.
Winn is now in his fourth big league season and has already established himself as one of the best defensive shortstops in MLB, earning his first Gold Glove last year. His bat remains a work in progress, as he owns a career .250 batting average, .302 on-base percentage and .675 OPS.
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (0)© Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
(© Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images)
However, the events that followed the game were far more concerning. The 24‑year‑old was involved in a single car accident, according to a statement released by the Cardinals.
“Following today’s game, Masyn Winn was involved in a single car accident on Int 64/Hwy 40 due to wet pavement. Masyn, who was alone in the vehicle, was attended to by local police and Cardinals security and medical staff. He was examined at a nearby hospital and suffered no serious injuries. We are grateful that he is OK, and thank the first responders in our community who helped Masyn tonight,” the team wrote (h/t Tamar Sher, KMOV).
Winn then took to Instagram to reassure fans who were worried about him. “For everyone wondering… I’m feeling great! Car is a little banged up but nothing that can’t be replaced! Big thanks to our security team and first responders for taking care of me! See y’all on the field soon!” he wrote on his story Thursday.
Fortunately, it appears Winn avoided serious injury and should be available when St. Louis opens its series against the Detroit Tigers on Friday. Winn was the Cardinals second-round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft and projects to anchor the middle infield alongside top prospect J.J. Wetherholt for years to come.
For a franchise leaning heavily on its young core, having Winn healthy and back on the field is as important as any early season victory.
Related: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Announces Career News Amid Blue Jays Season
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.