Cardinals' Jordan Walker is finally living up to expectations

After Jordan Walker had two seasons of regression (2024 and 2025), the former first-round (21st overall) pick is finally putting it all together in 2026. 

Walker is currently fifth in the National League in home runs (18), eighth in OPS (.902) and tied with Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages in RBI (56). Walker's performance this season is worthy of All-Star nod and has him considered for MVP, but it is a surprising leap forward in his development. 

Jordan Walker is looking like a franchise player for the St. Louis Cardinals

The past two seasons were forgettable for Walker. In 2024, the 24-year-old hit a career-worst .201 and spent most of that season in the minor leagues, while in 2025, he showed little growth. In 111 games in 2025, Walker hit 14 points better (.215), saw a drastic drop in his OPS (.584) and struck out a jaw-dropping 126 times in 363 at-bats.

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According to MLB.com's Bill Ladson, Walker's production at the plate isn't what is surprising; he has improved in right field. In 584.2 innings, Walker is leading Major League Baseball in outfield assists (five) and double plays (one), while producing five defensive runs saved. 

"The Cardinals were wondering if Walker would ever reach his potential in the big leagues," wrote Ladson. "A top prospect in the organization in 2022 and ‘23, Walker struggled mightily once he reached the big leagues and never had a full season in The Show prior to 2026 because of inconsistency in the batter’s box and with the glove. This year is a different story. Not only is Walker a force in the batter’s box -- a slash line of .298/.353/.562 with 18 homers and 56 RBIs backs that up -- Walker also improved a ton in the outfield. Now, if Walker is not in the starting lineup, the team wants him in the game as a defensive replacement." 

Walker will likely be the Cardinals' representative in the outfield for the All-Star game this season. The Cardinals have not had an outfielder represent them in the All-Star game in 11 years, when outfielder Matt Holliday in 2015. 

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