Age: 23
Prospect Peak: No. 4 in 2023
2025 Stats: 396 PA, 66 OPS+, .215/.278/.306, 20 XBH (6 HR), 41 RBI
2025 WAR: -1.7
The Rise: With an imposing 6’6″, 250-pound frame that belied his age, Jordan Walker exploded onto the top prospect scene with huge offensive seasons in 2021 (82 G, .936 OPS, 43 XBH, 14 HR) and 2022 (119 G, .898 OPS, 53 XBH, 19 HR) before his 21st birthday. Only Gunnar Henderson, Corbin Carroll, and Jackson Chourio were slotted ahead of him on the Top 100 prospect list to begin the 2023 season, and he was expected to follow a similar trajectory to those young superstars.
The Fall: A loud spring performance in 2023 earned Walker a surprise spot on the Opening Day roster, but with Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado blocking his path at the corner infield spots, he had to learn the outfield on the fly. He began his MLB career with a 12-game hitting streak, but the Cardinals demoted him back to the minors in late April. Between the defensive transition and consistent yo-yoing back and forth to the minors, his development was seemingly stunted.
2026 Role: With the Cardinals now in full-scale rebuilding mode, Walker will be the everyday right fielder to start the season, but a change of scenery may still be necessary. Still only 23 years old, he will be arbitration-eligible for the first time next winter, so this could be his last chance to break through in St. Louis.