Cardinals’ slugger has a newfound confidence at the plate

The St. Louis Cardinals expected big things from right fielder Jordan Walker after drafting him in the first round (21st overall) in the 2020 MLB draft. However, the 23-year-old had a major downturn at the plate in 2024 (.201 with a .619 OPS) and 2025 (.215 with a .584 OPS).

Entering a new season with newfound confidence, Walker’s struggles appear to be behind him. 

Jordan Walker believes in himself after working with Cardinals' assistant hitting coach Casey Chenoweth

“Man, I always feel like I can do it,” Walker told Dani Wexelman of the Cardinals' postgame team when asked about his confidence level. “But just working with the guys and being with the guys all day, especially working with [assistant hitting coach] Casey [Chenoweth] in there, it's just going through the roof right now, and I’ve got to get it to stay there.”

Walker is hitting .295 with a 1.049 OPS and has five home runs — tied with three players for the lead in baseball. The Georgia native has hit four home runs in his last five games after hitting 11 home runs combined between 2024 and 2025. Walker’s career high in home runs is 16 (2023), which he’s on pace to surpass.