Jordan "JW" Walker
Four players from the Cardinals team who have been underperforming this season and negatively impacting their team's performance.
Forget the spring slump, outfield powerhouse Jordan "JW" Walker is set to dominate the 2025 baseball season, bringing his top prospect status to life as he takes on a full season with the big league club. Despite a sprinkler mishap causing him to miss around a fortnight of games, Walker's unique plate approach and tenacity have stood out.
Walker, drafted by the Cardinals, has faced a bumpy road to stardom. From his initial shift from third base to the outfield, to aggressive promotions and demotions, the guy's been through it all. However, this season, he's stepping up to the plate with renewed conviction and a better grasp of his game.
Starting off the regular season with a bang, Walker racked up a staggering five-game hitting streak, boasting a .389 average and a long-ball blast to add to his résumé. Statcast numbers painted him as a potential game-changer, as he ranked in the league's top five in multiple bat-tracking statistics, making the Cardinals faithful go wild with anticipation.
But alas, that initial offensive explosion was short-lived, as Walker hit a rough patch since April. His pitch recognition slipped back to 2024 levels, leaving him 1 for 23 during a seven-game road trip. Despite his walk rate improving to a decent 7.4%, his chase and strikeout percentages have soared to dismal lows for subpar offensive performance. With only three extra-base hits under his belt, Walker's OPS stands at a measly .533. But don't count him out yet! His expected stats are equally abysmal, suggesting he's not exactly catching a break.
While the team isn't setting the world on fire at the moment, they're not yet ready to throw in the towels for Walker. Adding to the mix, the team's outfield depth doesn't seem to be pushing Walker to crank up the heat, as Matt Koperniak and Chase Davis – the most promising prospects – are both 27 and 24, respectively, and dealt with their fair share of struggles.
But let's not forget the changes Walker made in the off-season. His all-around game is evident thanks to improved discipline at the plate and his defense. In fact, he's been making some highlight-worthy defensive plays, too. On April 8, he made a game-ending catch after covering 52 feet on a 101.6 mph liner, and he demonstrated improved communication with his teammates.
There's no denying that Walker flashed signs of being a breakout candidate, and with some tweaks to his offensive game, he might just be on the verge of truly exploding onto the scene. While you should keep an eye on his consistency against high-velocity pitching, there's no doubt that there's greatness in this young outfielder. So, hold your horses, folks. Jordan Walker's moment is coming, and it's going to be a spectacle!
- Drafted by the Cardinals, Jordan "JW" Walker is developing his game, showcasing unique plate approach and tenacity.
- Despite a struggling offensive performance, Walker's expected stats suggest he isn't catching a break, hinting at a potential breakout candidate.
- With Walker's defensive plays, such as the game-ending catch on April 8, his all-around game is evident, demonstrating improved discipline at the plate and communication with teammates.
- Pitch recognition slips and high-velocity pitching consistency are aspects to watch for, but the spectacle of Jordan Walker's moment is drawing near.
