After making it to the Major Leagues by the time he was 20, outfielder Jordan Walker is being counted on as one of the team’s leaders. Will he finally live up to the expectations that have been placed on him?

By Ryan K Boman | via Stadium Rant | January 29, 2025

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Just two years ago, Jordan Walker looked like he would be the face of the St. Louis Cardinals franchise for years to come. As the number-one prospect in the organization and one of the top young players in baseball, the future appeared bright for the former first-round draft pick. At a hulking 6’6″ and 260 pounds, Redbird fans envisioned him launching rockets into the Busch Stadium bleachers and leading the team to glory.

Walker originally advanced directly to the majors without playing at Triple-A. He had some success in 2023, but there were plenty of ups and downs in his rookie season. He posted 16 home runs and 51 RBI while hitting .276 in 117 games and reeled off a 12-game hitting streak to start his MLB career. However, he was eventually demoted to the minors before April had ended due to what the team felt were inconsistencies in his play.

2024 was more of the same, with Walker’s second season being another ‘failure to launch’. He floundered in year two, hitting just .201 with five homers and 20 RBI as he shuffled back to the minors. That’s why 2025 is a pivotal year for Walker; he must … Read More HERE

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Ryan K Boman is a sportswriter whose previous work has appeared at The Miami Herald, SB Nation, Fansided, and Yardbarker, as well as several other print & digital media outlets.

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