What’s the plan for Jordan Walker and the St. Louis Cardinals?
Is he part of their long-term foundation, or could he be on the trade block this offseason? It’s been a major talking point throughout the year. The discussion ties into the Cardinals’ broader strategy of identifying a “runway” of key players for the future. They’ve spent the season evaluating talent closely, and Walker has been under particular scrutiny as they determine whether he fits into their long-term vision.
He’s a former No. 1 prospect for the team and is just 23 years old. There are plenty of opinions out there right now. But, what does the team think? Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol gave the clearest answer yet from the team on the young outfielder, as shared by Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The Cardinals sent a clear message to Jordan Walker
“I need to see Jordan have a sense of urgency for the things that need to take place in order to give him consistent results,” Marmol said about Walker. “That goes with his move toward the ball, his preparation in the cage but also his approach in a game.
“You have to start to see progress,” the manager continued. “It think it’s important as you are evaluating the next month, you need to start to see progress and consistency…
“It’s a combination of the move he’s making and the consistency with that move in order to be consistent and what you’re swinging at. Because if you’re making the right move, your swing breaks down when it’s not in the zone. He has to be more consistent with both of those things in order to have success. Real adjustments have to be made physically and approach-wise for him to have success.”
Right now, Walker is slashing .220/.274/.313 with five homers, 34 RBIs, seven stolen bases, 11 doubles, one triple, and 33 runs scored in 91 games played.
“You have to start to see progress,” the manager continued. “It think it’s important as you are evaluating the next month, you need to start to see progress and consistency…
“It’s a combination of the move he’s making and the consistency with that move in order to be consistent and what you’re swinging at. Because if you’re making the right move, your swing breaks down when it’s not in the zone. He has to be more consistent with both of those things in order to have success. Real adjustments have to be made physically and approach-wise for him to have success.”
Right now, Walker is slashing .220/.274/.313 with five homers, 34 RBIs, seven stolen bases, 11 doubles, one triple, and 33 runs scored in 91 games played.
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