In the autumn of 2020, the St. Louis Cardinals embarked on a shortened five-round draft due to the pandemic. Nearly five years later, several players from that draft have become integral parts of the team's roster and future plans. While some have excelled, others have not met expectations. Baseball America conducted a hypothetical redraft of the first round, highlighting the Cardinals' remarkable success in selecting talent.

The Impact of the Cardinals' 2020 Draft Choices

Let's delve into the specifics. In the original draft, Masyn Winn was chosen at number 54 but rose to third overall in the hypothetical redraft. Initially drafted as a two-way player, Winn flourished after focusing solely on shortstop. His exceptional defensive skills and solid offensive performance, including a 102 OPS+, positioned him as a promising leadoff hitter for the Cardinals.

Another standout is Tink Hence, who moved up 40 spots to be selected 23rd in the redraft. Despite injury setbacks during his minor league career, Hence demonstrated impressive ability when healthy. With Double-A Springfield in 2024, he achieved a commendable 2.71 ERA and a 34.1% strikeout rate. If he can maintain his health, Hence could soon find himself contributing to the major league team.

Alec Burleson, initially picked 70th, was reselected 25th in the redraft. Known for his contact-oriented hitting style, Burleson finished 2024 with a .269 batting average and 21 home runs, accompanied by an exceptionally low 12.8% strikeout rate. Although his speed and defensive skills are limitations, his contributions have been valuable to the Cardinals.

Jordan Walker, the Cardinals' top pick in 2020 at 21st overall, dropped to 28th in the redraft. Despite early promise in the minors, Walker has struggled in the majors with a 24% strikeout rate and defensive challenges in right field. However, his potential remains significant, and further development could see him rise to meet expectations.

The Cardinals' 2020 draft has yielded four players deemed worthy of first-round picks by Baseball America. The team's future success in 2025 will hinge on these players taking their game to the next level.

From a journalistic perspective, this draft serves as a testament to the importance of scouting and player development. It underscores the unpredictable nature of baseball careers, where injuries and adjustments can significantly impact a player's trajectory. For fans and observers alike, it offers hope and anticipation for what these young talents might achieve in the coming seasons.