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The St. Louis Cardinals have high hopes for the young slugger Jordan Walker, but unfortunately, things haven’t gone as planned.
Walker has Rough Start Two Years in a Row
Walker entered the 2023 season as MLB’s number one prospect at the young age of 20 years old. Making the transition to the big leagues is a difficult one, even for the most talented young players. The transition was made even more difficult due to the Cardinals’ need for him to switch from third base to outfield.
Understandably, he was sent to Memphis to get things right at the plate in addition to more time in the outfield. He bounced back nicely from the demotion and hit .276 with 16 homeruns in the major leagues. Furthermore, his defense continued to improve. Unfortunately for Walker, the 2024 season started the same. He started the season as St. Louis’ starting right fielder but hit just .155 over 20 games.
Walker Trying to Relax
When the young slugger was asked about his current approach to the situation. He said he’s mainly focused on trying to relax while he’s at the plate, something he struggled with in the majors.
“It’s definitely tough to relax up there,” he said. “Those games are high stress, fans yelling at you, everything like that. But I think one thing I did better last year that I didn’t do as much at the start of this year is just telling myself that, putting myself in a more relaxed mental state before the game.”
“Honestly, for me, as always, I’m just trying to be the best person I can be,” Walker continued. “I think reps are always good. And if that was the way to get it, in Memphis, then I’m all for it. I just want to get an opportunity to hit and get out of it. And I know I will. I’m always going to have faith in myself with hitting.”
Let Walker Be Himself
The organization’s desire for better power numbers from Walker is understandable, but it may be hurting him in the long run. The young outfielder is a good hitter, and that’s the bottom line. It’s unfortunate that in the era of the launch angle that guys capable of hitting for high average aren’t appreciated like they used to be.
Walker currently has a .328/.382/.408 slash line at Triple-A Memphis. That should be good enough for him to get called back up, but in this day and age, they won’t be happy until his slugging percentage jumps up a couple hundred points.
The Cardinals just need to let the young outfielder be himself. If the power develops, that’s great. If it doesn’t and he ends up being a high batting average and on base percentage guy, so be it. The talent is there, and the future is bright for the young slugger as long as the Cardinals’ coaching staff doesn’t ruin him in the process.
He does not have value as a OBP player. His value is power,2B,3B,HR. Without power he is a common player w/mediocre defense. Those types are not valuable in the era of baseball. Plus there is no money in it. He will never be a superstar. He will fade to mediocrity and a reserve back-up player with a short career.
If he is the hitter he thinks he is, then he can make the launch angle adjustment.
A
The power reference was more in regard to homeruns. If he can hit over .300 with a high on base and plenty of doubles and 15-20 homers, I would be happy with that. I also think he’ll be an above average outfielder before it’s all said and done. He’s only been playing outfield for one full season and will improve. Maybe not a superstar but a good every day guy.