Just a few short years ago, Cardinal Nation was buzzing about the team’s top prospect, a tall, young power-hitter named Jordan Walker. In fact, many in Major League Baseball were touting him as potentially St. Louis’ best homegrown talent since Albert Pujols – good company to be in.
However, his MLB career has proven to be one of miscalculations and misfires, as Walker still hasn’t proven that he can hit at the big league level. After originally skipping Triple-A to jump to The Show in 2023, he’s made multiple trips back down to the minors to work on his swing. Heading into 2026, Walker has posted a .240 batting average, with 27 home runs and 117 RBI, in three fractured seasons with the Redbirds.
Sep 28, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) reacts after striking out against the Chicago Cubs during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Walker entered Spring Training this year just like he has the last two. Looking to improve his numbers after spending an offseason reworking his stance and stroke. Unfortunately for him and the St. Louis Cardinals, nothing has worked yet. He’s batting 5-for-23 for a .217 average with zero extra-base hits, strikes out more than he makes contact, and has a high ground ball rate. That’s not a great sign for a guy who should be entering some of his prime years in the game. Instead, he’s been stuck in neutral and slowly sliding backwards.
2026 Could Be When Walker Is Sent Walking
The young player’s fall from grace has been almost baffling. He’s certainly got the physical traits to be a threat in the lineup: 6’6″, weighing about 260 pounds. But he’s beginning to fit the old athletic stereotype. He looks like Tarzan… but plays like Jane.
That’s why this will be a boom-or-bust year for the right fielder. The Redbirds have been patiently waiting for the potential prime time player to finally become at least close to the weapon they originally envisioned. If not, they may inevitably decide it’s in the best interest of the club and Walker to cut ties and move on.
Walker is under contract for this season, having signed a one-year deal. Still in his pre-arbitration phase, he remains under team control. So they could be willing to pull the trigger on a trade if Walker doesn’t end up firing on all cylinders.
The Cardinals Can Only Hope for the Best
Still just 23 years old (until May), it’s hard to just give up on a prospect like Walker. At any moment, the Cards know he could flip the switch and finally light it up in the Major Leagues. And the last thing they want is to see that happen with him in another uniform. Still, the rebuilding Redbirds may push the young veteran out. Due to the incredible star power and depth in the franchise’s farm system.
So, in essence, Walker can’t just have a good season in 2026. He needs to really rack up impressive numbers if he wants to prove he is who everyone thought he was. A .275 average, 20 home runs, and 80-90 RBI should all be considered not just realistic goals for the upcoming campaign, but necessary ones, as well.
“There’s a ton of talent there,” Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said this Spring when discussing Walker’s early struggles.
“This was the first offseason I’ve felt like Walker was able to communicate with the level of maturity where it was, ‘I don’t feel good doing this. Is there a different way of getting to the same endgame?’ And truly communicating with our hitting staff to get on the other side of this. There’s a ton of talent there. I’m nowhere close to giving up on this kid. He is going to figure it out, and I am committed to that. But we do feel good.”
“He knows what’s at stake, and man, he’s working really hard at it.”
Main Photo Credit: Tim Vizer-Imagn Images