St. Louis Cardinals: Stock up, stock down

Jordan Walker, outfielder: Baseball's top prospect entering the 2023 season, Walker broke spring training with the major league squad and he responded with a historic 12-game hit streak to being his career. 

After experiencing a rough stretch after the hit streak ended, Walker was sent to the minors to work on his approach at the plate. Walker spent 29 games in Triple-A working on his swing and was recalled on June 2, he has responded with his current 13-game hit streak and has posted a .353 batting average with four home runs and eight RBI over his last 15 games.

While his defense is a work in progress in the outfield, his bat is too productive to keep out of the lineup as the Cardinals look to claw their way back into the playoff fight.

At only 21 years old and standing 6'6", Walker has a bright future ahead of him as he continues to develop and learn at the major league level.

Stock Down

Jack Flaherty, pitcher: With three starts allowing six or more runs, including surrendering ten runs in 2 1/3 innings versus the Los Angeles Angels on May 4, Flaherty is far from the pitcher that is the owner of one of the most dominant second-halves in MLB history in 2019. 

After having his career year in 2019, Flaherty has struggled mightily with injuries which limited him to only 32 starts during a three-year span from 2020-2022.

With a 4-5 record and a 4.95 ERA over 15 starts this season, Flaherty has struggled with walks in 2023. Continuing an alarming trend that started last season, when he averaged 5.50 BB/9 in his 9 appearances, Flaherty has a 4.95 BB/9 this season. 

Due to become a free agent this upcoming offseason, it might be time to find Flaherty a change of scenery while getting something back in return for him instead of potentially losing him for nothing in free agency.

Tyler O'Neill, outfielder: Like the Cardinals, 2023 has been a massive disappointment for O'Neill that has been filled with poor play and clubhouse drama.

After a breakout year in 2021 that saw him bat .286 with 34 home runs and 80 RBI and win his second-consecutive Gold Glove award in left field for the Cardinals, O'Neill has struggled to replicate that success.

With injuries having played a major role in his decrease in production over the past two seasons, O'Neill also faces a crowded outfield when he finally makes his return from a back injury that has caused him to make only 29 appearances in 2023.

One of the strongest and fastest players in the majors, O'Neill possesses a rare mix of strength and speed which would make it hard to give up on him unless the return was right. 

But with a major need for pitching help, the Cardinals would be wise to see if they can find a deal to their liking if they wish to fight their way from the cellar of the National League while O'Neill still has a season under team control.