Jordan Walker's favorite Cardinals moments are the small ones

Jordan Walker has been a big part of the St. Louis Cardinals’ better-than-expected 2026 season. His rise to an All-Star selection and Home Run Derby crown has been well documented, and now he’s reflecting on the Redbirds season as they’ve been officially eliminated from postseason contention. 

Walker, 24, broke out this season after years of stagnation. His production flung the Redbirds back into contention in the first half, but as he faltered, so did the team. 

Since the break, Walker’s OPS has dipped to a mere .680, and the birds have been dropping games in tandem. 

Still, the young Walker has found it in himself to take on a sort of leadership role. His on-field play is rivaled only by his demeanor in the clubhouse, and even with the media. 

In a recent interview with Matrix Midwest’s Grace Ybarra, Walker told fans about what really mattered to him during his best season to date. 

“My favorite parts are always, like, just being here in the locker room,” Walker said, clearly a bit stung by the recent elimination. 

“[Or] dinners, and stuff like that. I’ve never been on a team where it’s the exact same team coming back next year. So I have to appreciate what we have right now. And I think my favorite parts, honestly, are when I go eat; I’ll play cards with some of my teammates as well.” 

Walker was dealt a hand early on that looked impossible to win with, and now, he’s maturing into a superstar on and off the field.

Furthermore, it’s been a staple claim that these Redbirds are a “tight-knit” bunch—like a group of old college buddies who’re getting back together for a trip to Vegas (Don’t leave Burly on the roof). 

Sometimes, to an outsider, that can sound like verbal clutter. Are they really pals? Does it even matter? How does that help the team win? 

The answer to all three questions is a resounding yes. The St. Louis Cardinals went through a stage of decline many hadn’t seen. Redbird baseball had been nearly impenetrable, and suddenly it was lost. 

To climb back to the top of the baseball world, it’ll take more than talent, money, or smart decisions. It’s gonna take a team. 

One of the biggest differences between this year’s club and the last few seasons is exactly that. They play like a team. 

Be it the improvements with RISP, more quality ABs, quicker adjustments, or a much-improved defense, Cardinal baseball has meaning again—and it’s because Walker and his buddies are getting together and playing Cards, literally and figuratively speaking. 

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow