Despite finishing last in the 2023 season, the St. Louis Cardinals are optimistic about their future. Emerging prospects such as shortstop Masyn Winn and outfielder Victor Scott II have shown promise, indicating they could be key pillars for the team going forward.
However, according to a former MLB executive, the player poised to make the biggest impact in 2024 is second-year outfielder Jordan Walker.
Jim Bowden, formerly with the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals, expressed his confidence in Walker’s potential in a recent column. Despite his earlier prediction for Walker to win the National League Rookie of the Year not panning out, Bowden remains steadfast in his belief in the young outfielder.
Walker, aged 21, bypassed Triple-A directly to the majors and delivered a solid rookie season with 16 home runs, 51 RBIs, and a .276 batting average in 117 games.
Although Walker experienced ups and downs, including a stint in the minors early in the season, he eventually settled into a regular role with the Cardinals. Now entering his second year, the towering 6-foot-6, 250-pound athlete has the potential to progress further.
Bowden has advocated for Walker since his time in the minor leagues, emphasizing in his column that this season might be when everything clicks for the young talent.
The former executive believes that the Cardinals mishandled Walker’s development last season by demoting him in April and tasking him with learning a new position, right field, at the major league level. Nonetheless, Bowden remains optimistic about Walker’s abilities, foreseeing him excelling both offensively and defensively.
With Walker finishing his rookie year strongly, batting .339 with five home runs in his last 30 games, there is growing anticipation regarding his potential to become the next standout player for the St. Louis Cardinals.
