Cardinals executives knew it all too well, but Jordan Walker is getting their full attention right now at the team’s training camp in Jupiter, Florida.
First-round pick in 2020, 21st overall, the young 20-year-old sensation is experiencing a thunder camp and he could force the hand of his manager, Oliver Marmol, who sees in him the skills of a Major player.
However, the Cardinals camp was to be a formality because the starting positions are already cast in stone. Lars Nootbaar, Tyler O’Neill and Dylan Carlson are identified as the three regular outfielders, but here is the young Walker entering the conversation.
Walker is getting praise, and with good reason. So far, he is showing some impressive stats: a .500 average and three home runs, in addition to having produced a total of six runs since the start of spring camp.
Last year, in Springfield in the caliber AA, Walker had a season worthy of his talent. The young outfielder hit for an average of .306, in addition to hitting 19 long balls while producing 68 points in 119 games. The native of Georgia also scored no less than 100 points.
Recall that Walker was drafted as a third baseman, but with the presence of Nolan Arenado, one of the best in this position, it would be surprising if the latter gave up his place. The chances of seeing the young phenomenon carve out a place with the team goes through the outfield.
Despite a talent that makes you dream, wouldn’t it be appropriate to allow Jordan Walker to start the season at the AAA level so that he can perfect certain elements of his game and consider a recall during the season?
For the moment, the youngster is impressing especially John Mozeliak, the team’s president of baseball operations, who finds him really good.
The Cardinals are known to integrate certain young people each season in order to support a group of quality veterans. Will they dare to allow Jordan Walker to taste the daily life of the Majors alongside the Arenado, Goldschmidt and Wainwright in 2023?
A story to follow, but for now the youngster complicates their decision.
