The St. Louis Cardinals have framed this season as one of evaluation, particularly for their younger players. For Jordan Walker, once considered a cornerstone bat, it was seen as a critical year. His rookie campaign in 2023 offered promise with a .276/.342/.445 slash line and 16 home runs at age 21.
Since then, however, Walker’s trajectory has faltered. He slumped badly in 2024, managing just a .201/.253/.366 line in 51 MLB games while spending significant time in Triple-A. The Cardinals committed to giving him everyday playing time in 2025, but results have again been disappointing.
This season, Walker has faced health setbacks, including wrist inflammation and an appendectomy, and his production has lagged. Through 331 plate appearances, he’s hitting .218/.272/.309 with five homers, while striking out at a career-high 31.7% rate. Statistically, he ranks near the bottom of the league in both on-base percentage and slugging. Defensively, he has also struggled in right field, offering little value beyond his bat.
Coaches have not minced words. Hitting coach Brant Brown emphasized the need for Walker to improve his preparation, particularly studying opposing pitchers and bullpen arms. Manager Oli Marmol called for more “urgency,” stressing progress in approach, mechanics, and consistency. Walker, for his part, pushed back slightly, pointing to a brief post-All-Star stretch where he hit well, but acknowledged he’s still searching for that rhythm.
Marmol remains cautiously optimistic, insisting Walker’s talent is still evident but underscoring the need for adjustments and greater commitment. The front office, now led by Chaim Bloom, must decide whether Walker fits into the long-term plan. With an option year left, he could be sent back to Triple-A Memphis in 2026 to continue developing, though that risks lowering his trade value further.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals face a crowded outfield picture. Lars Nootbaar is entrenched in left, Alec Burleson has produced his best numbers before a wrist injury, and Iván Herrera has emerged as one of the team’s most productive bats. Unless significant strides are made, Walker may find himself squeezed out of an everyday role as the Cardinals push toward contention in 2026.
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