(Apr 1, 2024; San Diego, California, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) reacts after a catch to end the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. / Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports)

Year two has not been kind to Jordan Walker in MLB.

In 2024, Walker has only played in 20 games for the Cardinals. He’s hit just .155, with only nine hits and four RBI’s.

A bigger sample size of his talent can be seen from the 2023 season. During the 2023 campaign, the 22-year-old outfielder played in 117 games, hitting .276/.342/.445 to go along with 16 home runs and 51 RBI.

While there is no guarantee that Walker will develop into the superstar outfielder that he has the potential to become, swinging big on his potential would be a massive move for any team willing to deal for him.

However, the one team it would backfire on? The St. Louis Cardinals.

St. Louis over the past few years, has written off young prospects way too early (see Lane Thomas, Randy Arozarena, Jack Flaherty, etc.). Walker is the highest touted Cardinals’ prospect since the late Oscar Taveras. Jordan Walker is still a hitter who was a unanimous top-3 prospect in all of baseball, but it’s clear there are some things he needs to work on in order to fulfill his potential.

His defense improved significantly last season, and already showcased his great combination of speed and power.

When he was demoted, manager Oliver Marmol stated that, “He’s got to be feeling good about where he’s at swing-wise and pitch-selection-wise in order to get back up here to help us.”

And that’s the root issue: his swing.

Back in late May, Cardinals’ President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak spoke with Martin Kilcoyne spoke about Walker’s improvements at the player and what’s needed out of the future star to return to the big league club.

“I think right now we’re getting production out of our outfield. I think for him it’s about continuing to getting his work in everyday, not having to worry about if he’s going to be in the lineup or not. Just let him play.”

At this point, trading him in the middle of his progress will only hurt him and the team. as he con aims to be the future guy that the Cardinals have hoped he’ll be.