STL Cardinals prospect Jordan Walker is ranked fourth in baseball. While the Cards outfield is a strong suit, Walker’s spring debut showed that he won’t wait around for his time.
Jordan Walker is an elite prospect, but he’s built like an NFL linebacker. At 6-5 and close to 250 pounds, Walker can hit the ball further than most. He’s a five-tool player who can run like a gazelle.
It’s tough not to notice the No. 4 overall prospect in baseball. In his first spring training action of the year, Walker made it clear he’s coming for someone’s spot.
Walker hit a towering 430-foot bomb off major-league veteran Johnny Cueto.
Cardinals: Jordan Walker could earn a starting not soon
In the following at-bat, he beat out an infield single, showcasing his speed on the basepaths, as well.
“I can always improve, because I didn’t get the best read on that [fly] ball — but I do want to show I have a lot of tools,” said Walker. “I want to show that to the team, so it did feel good to do that. But there’s still a lot to work on, for sure.”
As if a home run and five-tool speed wasn’t enough, Walker put on a show defensively as well, making a stellar catch against the wall to rob Jean Segura of extra bases, if not more.
Is there anything this guy can’t do?
“Whether it be opening day this year or some point during the year, it’s not really anybody’s choice. He’s coming for somebody’s spot. And somebody’s going to have to move out of the way. It’s a business. But he’s ready. He’s hungry. He’s the best hitter in my opinion for sure in the minors. You’re pushing Goldy and Arenado when you talk about him in the future, so he’s for sure coming for a spot. He’s ready for it,” teammate Masyn Winn said of Walker.
Who that outfielder will be remains to be seen. The next generation is coming to St. Louis sooner rather than later.