The Cardinals have repeatedly said this season is about evaluating their younger talent. For Jordan Walker, it was seen as a pivotal year. Once considered a future star bat, he impressed as a 21-year-old rookie with a .276/.342/.445 line and 16 home runs.
Since then, his progress has stalled. Last year, Walker struggled in the majors, hitting just .201/.253/.366 in 51 games, spending much of the season in Triple-A, where he was only average. The Cardinals promised him consistent playing time in 2025 to determine if he’s part of their long-term core as John Mozeliak hands leadership of baseball operations to Chaim Bloom.
The results haven’t been encouraging. Walker missed time with wrist inflammation in June and appendicitis later in the summer. Even when healthy, he’s been ineffective, hitting .218/.272/.309 with only five home runs across 331 plate appearances and striking out at a career-high rate of 31.7%. Among 249 hitters with at least 300 plate appearances, he ranks near the bottom in both on-base percentage and slugging. His defensive struggles in right field compound the problem.
Coaches and management have been direct in their feedback. Hitting coach Brant Brown stressed the need for better preparation, urging Walker to study opposing pitchers more thoroughly. Manager Oli Marmol said he needs to see “a sense of urgency” in Walker’s approach, both in practice and games, and emphasized the importance of visible progress in the final stretch of the season.
Walker responded that he wasn’t sure what Marmol meant by “urgency,” pointing instead to a post-All-Star stretch where he hit well. He said he is working with Brown to recapture that form. Marmol, while critical, made clear the team hasn’t given up on him, noting his talent and potential to adjust, though he emphasized more commitment to preparation is required.
Looking ahead, St. Louis faces tough decisions. Walker still has a minor league option, meaning he could start 2026 in Triple-A, but that could further reduce his trade value. The front office might also explore moving him in a sell-low deal. Nolan Gorman, who has been better but not exceptional, faces a similar evaluation.
The Cardinals’ outfield depth complicates Walker’s standing. Lars Nootbaar remains reliable in left, Alec Burleson has posted career-best numbers, and Iván Herrera has become one of the team’s most productive hitters while mostly filling the DH role. With that group in place, Walker could be squeezed out unless he shows meaningful improvement.
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