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Cardinals' Walker Finally Living Up to Hype
15 Jun
Summary
- Jordan Walker leads MLB outfielders in assists and double plays.
- He ranks fifth in the NL for home runs and eighth in OPS.
- Walker's defense has improved significantly this season.
Jordan Walker, a former top prospect, is finally delivering on his potential for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2026. Following two seasons marked by regression, Walker has emerged as a franchise player. He currently ranks fifth in the National League with 18 home runs and eighth with an OPS of .902, also tying for the lead in RBIs with 56.
Beyond his offensive contributions, Walker has made significant strides defensively. He leads Major League Baseball in outfield assists and double plays, while also posting a positive defensive runs saved metric. This all-around improvement has made him a valuable asset, with the Cardinals seeking to utilize his defensive capabilities even when he's not starting.
Walker's exceptional performance this season makes him a strong candidate for an All-Star selection, potentially ending an 11-year drought for Cardinals outfielders in the Midsummer Classic. His turnaround from a .215 batting average and .584 OPS in 2025 to his current impressive slash line of .298/.353/.562 highlights a remarkable development leap.
