Enhanced defensive performance by Jordan Walker boosts potential for St. Louis Cardinals
Take a Gander at Jordan Walker's Defensive Transformation in Right Field
When Jordan Walker swapped third base for the outfield in 2022, the buzz around baseball was undeniable - his arm strength was nothing short of phenomenal. But when he made his major-league debut in 2023, the results were bleak for the St. Louis Cardinals' top prospect.
With only limited experience in the outfield, it's no wonder that Walker's performance in the grass was sloppy that year. In 2023, he ranked last in baseball for Outs Above Average (OAA), Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), and Ultimate Zone Rating per 150 games (UZR/150).
However, the 22-year-old has made remarkable strides this year, and it all boils down to his offseason work with new coach Jon Jay. With the departure of Willie McGee, Jay was brought on board to replace St. Louis’ Hall of Famer.
Walker's initial foray into right field was riddled with missteps, as he struggled to read the game and react accordingly. In 2023 and 2024, he missed numerous routine plays, even failing to catch all 16 of his five-star opportunities[1].
But under Jay's watchful eye and mentorship, Walker's defensive acumen has skyrocketed. Already this season, he has notched up a DRS and an OAA. Even maintaining a neutral defense would represent an improvement for the young phenom[2].
Walker's improved confidence and conviction have played a significant role in his defensive game. His speed and athleticism - qualities that make him a bonafide corner outfielder - have allowed him to recover from mistakes quickly[2].
One standout moment of his defensive prowess happened when he sprinted 145 feet to catch a ball in foul territory and get Jose Altuve out. Though his path wasn't the most direct, his closing speed more than compensated[3].
In this same game against the Houston Astros, Walker demonstrated his enhanced defensive abilities yet again by making a tough play in foul territory. He even robbed a home run from Triston Casas in Boston. This season, Walker has been making fantastic grabs in right field[3].
After much diligent work over the offseason, it's evident that Jordan Walker is turning into a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the game[2]. With his work with assistant coach Jon Jay producing visible improvements in his defense[1][2], there's no doubt that we're witnessing the emergence of a potential star in the making. And if Walker can channel his defensive acumen and translate it onto the offensive side of the game – where he’s close to making strides with a 103 wRC+ and three extra-base hits – then we’re surely looking at rising superstar[4].
Sources:[1] Baseball Prospectus[2] St. Louis Post-Dispatch[3] MLB.com[4] The Athletic
- Jordan Walker's transformative journey in the outfield, under the tutelage of new coach Jon Jay, has seen a significant boost in his defensive skills after a disappointing major-league debut.
- In the previous seasons, Walker grappled with numerous routine plays, even missing all 16 of his five-star opportunities, but this year, he has already touted a Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and Outs Above Average (OAA).
- One notable display of Walker's defensive prowess was on a 145-foot sprint to catch a ball in foul territory and get Jose Altuve out, despite an indirect path, highlighting his remarkable speed and closing speed.
- As Walker continues to make great strides defensively, attention shifts to his potential impact on the offensive side, where he's already showing promise with a 103 wRC+ and three extra-base hits. If he can successfully translate his defensive acumen into offensive performance, spectators may soon witness the rise of a superstar.
