3 realities Cardinals fans need to accept and 1 fantasy that may yet come true

The next generation of Cardinals stars can deliver

Once Wainwright, Flaherty, Montgomery, Arenado and Goldschmidt leave, the next generation of Cardinals stars can finally take hold. Jordan Walker has already proven he’s the real deal this season, starting his career on an incredible hit streak.

In just a few short years, the likes of Tink Hence and Masyn Winn are expected to make the major leagues. Both are top-100 prospects, and just over the age of 20. Hence, for one, has been compared to some of the great aces of his time.

“He’s 20 years old and throws four pitches, all of which are average or above, and he’s a strike-thrower with command. I saw him in the past when he first signed as a second-rounder in 2020, and he was interesting then. Now, he looks like he’s got a chance to be on the fast track,” one scout told The Athletic’s Zach Buchanan.

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, “Hence’s fastball velocity sits around 94-98 MPH, and he offers up three breaking pitches, including a wicked changeup and curveball. If he continues to progress, he could be the Cardinals ace of the future, and boy do they need one.”

Winn, on the other hand, should fill a position of need on the Cards infield when the time comes. Whether he stays at shortstop or moves to second or third remains to be seen, but his bat is one St. Louis will want in the lineup.