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Cardinals' Walker: Baseball's Biggest Surprise?
29 Apr
Summary
- Jordan Walker transformed his performance after a difficult 2025 season.
- He is now performing like a star at 23 years old, surprising league executives.
- Walker's improved approach could form a dangerous duo with Wetherholt.
Jordan Walker has emerged as a significant feel-good story for the St. Louis Cardinals during the 2026 season. Following a disappointing 2025 campaign where he recorded -1.7 wins above replacement, the young slugger dedicated himself to retooling his game.
Now 23 years old, Walker is showcasing an excellent performance, with a .283 batting average, .547 slugging percentage, and eight home runs in 28 games played as of late April 2026. His remarkable comeback has earned him recognition around the league.
In a recent poll of baseball executives, Walker was voted the "biggest surprise" in baseball. One executive noted his improved approach and bat path, stating, "He has improved his approach, his bat path and ball flight in order to tap into the power that was always there, and he is now looking like a very dangerous hitter."
This version of Walker, performing at a star level, has the potential to form a dangerous offensive duo with fellow young player JJ Wetherholt. This, combined with other emerging talents like Alec Burleson, Masyn Winn, and Iván Herrera, suggests a promising future for the Cardinals' lineup.
