The Cardinals have started the season with a 10-8 record. Several critics thought this team would be under .500 because they don’t have an established star player. Luckily for the Cardinals, outfielder Jordan Walker has stepped up and helped this team thrive.
Through 18 games Jordan Walker leads the team in batting average, hits, home runs, and runs batted in. Overall in the league he is top 20 in batting average, first in home runs, top 15 in runs batted in and top 7 in on base plus slugging (OPS). He is also on a 11 game hit streak.
This year he is having a career season, but his success wasn’t always like this. Last season he struggled and this was seen with him only hitting six home runs and striking out 126 times in 111 games. During last season the Cardinals sent him down to the minors, which would hopefully get his hitting right, but sadly it didn’t. He was one of the worst hitters in baseball. This season though he’s figured it out and is having his best season since his rookie year.
The biggest thing for Jordan Walker’s success is him changing his swing and stance this year. This season his hands are closer to his body and his stance is more closed. These changes have led to a better bat path and more of an upward angle on the ball. Jordan Walker is one of the most powerful hitters in baseball and now that he is barreling up the ball more consistently it is leading to home runs.
“He has hit way more home runs than I could have expected and I’m excited to see what he does the rest of the season,” junior Sam Osterholt said.
Although Walker’s hitting is his main attraction he is also an underrated fielder. He has one of the best arms in baseball from the outfield and also has good speed. Being a good hitter and a good fielder is hard to come by in today’s game, but Jordan Walker is able to do it.
“I think Jordan Walker is one of the best fielders on the Cardinals and more fans should look out for that instead of just his hitting,” junior Dom Campana said.
Jordan Walker is only 23 years old and is having a monster season. This is a good sign for his future and the future of Cardinals baseball. Hopefully he can keep this hot streak up for the rest of the season and lead his team to a successful season.
