1. Jordan Walker
Ever since the Cardinals traded Bader on August 2nd, Jordan Walker has begun receiving everyday reps in the outfield, preparing the 20-year old for a spot out there once the club is ready to call him up to St. Louis. Needless to say so far, he has adjusted seamlessly to the outfield.
Walker, at just 20-years old, is slashing .309/.393/.522 with 18 HR and 60 RBI in 108 games for AA Springfield. He also has 17 SB on the year, a number that would likely be higher if St. Louis let him continue being aggressive on the basepaths at that level. All major prospect lists have Walker in their top 10 now, and Jim Bowden recently ranked him as his number one prospect in baseball.
Even with Nootbaar, Carlson, and O’Neill all having proven success at the big league level, Walker’s mix of tools, raw talent, and results already give him a ceiling that few players in baseball can touch. Walker, if things continue to rise for him, could be an MVP candidate year in and year out due to his elite bat to ball skills and 40 HR+ potential, while also providing at least above average defense in the outfield.
If Walker doesn’t push his way onto the big league roster before the end of this season, look for him to claim one of the Opening Day outfield spots in 2023. The Cardinals have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to young outfielders, and Walker is the cream of the crop.