This former top prospect could help struggling Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals currently sit at 57-56 after Monday's loss to the New York Mets, finding themselves five games out of a wild-card spot.

The Cardinals offense has struggled all year long, ranking 20th in team OPS (.693). Heading into 2024, the Cardinals were projected to be one of the best teams in the National League and now find themselves on the outside looking in. There is, however, somewhere they could turn to for a little offensive boost: Jordan Walker.

Walker, who ranked as the fourth-best prospect in 2023 according to MLB Pipeline, has been tearing it up as of late in Triple-A. Walker was demoted in late April after having an abysmal start to the major league season. In 20 games (58 AB), he slashed .155/.239/.259 with no home runs and four RBI. In his last ten games in Triple-A, however, Walker is slashing .357/.417/.690 and hit the longest home run of his professional baseball career this past weekend (the ball went 446 feet).

The Cardinals' offensive woes have been a significant barrier to their playoff hopes this season. Their inability to consistently produce runs has left the team stuck at around .500. In such a scenario, giving Jordan Walker another shot in the majors seems like a viable option.

Moreover, Walker's presence could inject some youthful energy into a team that appears to be lacking spark. Young players often bring a sense of urgency and enthusiasm that can be contagious, potentially reigniting the entire roster. The Cardinals' veteran core could benefit from this injection of youth, providing a balanced mix of experience and youthful exuberance.

Immediate impact Walker could add to struggling Cardinals

Reintegrating Jordan Walker into the Cardinals' lineup could have an immediate and significant impact on their performance. First and foremost, Walker's power potential addresses a critical need for the team. The Cardinals rank near the bottom in home runs this season, and adding a player who has demonstrated the ability to hit long balls could quickly change that dynamic.

Walker's versatility in the field also provides manager Oliver Marmol with additional options. While primarily an outfielder, Walker has experience playing multiple positions, which could be advantageous in maximizing matchups and providing rest for other players. His athleticism and arm strength make him a valuable asset defensively, potentially shoring up a defense that has been inconsistent at times.

The fact that Walker was not traded at the deadline shows that the Cardinals front office believes there is still a spot for him on this roster as it is currently constructed. So why wait?

As the Cardinals look to make a late-season push, giving a former top prospect another shot could be a gamble worth taking. Walker's ability to make an immediate impact could very well be the difference between a disappointing season and a thrilling run to the postseason.