Cardinals at a Crossroads
The St. Louis Cardinals find themselves teetering around the .500 mark as the 2023 season winds down. With roughly 20 games remaining, the front office is closely evaluating which players will be pivotal for the team moving into 2026. A pressing concern is that several young talents have yet to establish themselves at the Major League level. With a shift in leadership on the horizon, the uncertainty surrounding player roles creates an environment where no position is truly secure.
Jordan Walker’s Struggles
Among those under scrutiny is outfielder Jordan Walker, who has faced significant challenges this season. This is Walker’s third year in the big leagues, yet he has not managed to achieve a bWAR above 0, an alarming statistic for a player expected to contribute significantly. Currently, his bWAR sits at a troubling -1.5, and with limited time left in the season, there appears to be little he can do to reverse that trend.
In his 93 games this year, Walker has hit just five home runs and driven in 34 runs, contributing to an OPS+ of 62—numbers that are undeniably detrimental to the Cardinals’ lineup. The pressure is mounting, especially as Chaim Bloom, the new president of baseball operations, prepares to reshape the roster. His perspective may differ from that of former executive John Mozeliak, leaving Walker’s future in doubt.
A Potential Demotion?
With the possibility of a rebuild looming, the Cardinals might consider sending Walker to Triple-A to refine his mechanics and regain his confidence. His trade value has taken a hit due to his performance struggles, complicating his situation further. Once celebrated as one of baseball’s top prospects, Walker is now grappling with the harsh realities of Major League play.
In his career, he has accumulated 895 at-bats, striking out at a troubling rate of 30%. His career OPS stands at .683, but this season, it has plummeted to a dismal .574. At just 23 years old, Walker still has time on his side, as many players under 25 often face hurdles in their development. Nevertheless, he possesses the physical tools necessary for success, and with ample opportunities at the plate, the clock may be ticking on his chance to prove himself.
As the Cardinals contemplate their future, the decision on Walker’s role could be pivotal. Allowing him to work through his difficulties might be prudent, but as the season comes to a close, one must wonder how much longer the organization is willing to wait for the young outfielder to find his stride.
