Mr. Walker

[blackinkbiz]

He's literally depressing to watch. Don't think I've ever said that about any player I've ever watched in 3 decades of being a sports fan since I was a kid.

That last AB in the 9th was like watching a train wreck that you know is about to happen and there's nothing anyone can say or do to stop it except watch the horror unfold.

[DRoss]

He’s lost and not making adjustments...he's stubborn and his OPS is under, 600...and he's not a very good outfielder...and I know he's only 23!

He's not lost. And the main adjustment he need to make is in the batter's box. He's standing too f'king far away from the plate to make contact with pitches on the outside corner of the plate.

Stand closer to the freakin' plate and he can at least make contact with outside pitches and have the ability to see most outside pitches are nowhere near home plate to begin with.

[Lightning Rod]

The problem is is he is consistently down 0/2 or 1-2 which puts him in these positions.

I know this because I have to watch him consistently get in the box with two strikes, Wait for the pitcher to come set, and then take his time out. It is like clockwork.

Because he doesn't now the difference between a ball and a strike, swings at stuff out of the zone and watches strikes go by, he's hopeless.

[11WSChamps]

I don't know how Walker can be in the team's plans as an everyday player at a premium offensive position for 2026.

Let him get 450-500 AB's or so at Memphis and bring McGwire or someone as a special instructor for him.

If that doesn't straighten him out then move on.

Busts happen.

[hmoss859]

He’s lost and not making adjustments...he's stubborn and his OPS is under, 600...and he's not a very good outfielder...and I know he's only 23!

He's not lost. And the main adjustment he need to make is in the batter's box. He's standing too f'king far away from the plate to make contact with pitches on the outside corner of the plate.

Stand closer to the freakin' plate and he can at least make contact with outside pitches and have the ability to see most outside pitches are nowhere near home plate to begin with.

Why can we see it and the hitting coaches not prevent it

Is the player too stubborn or baseball dumb to make the adjustment

[rightthinker4]

Just in case you haven’t figured it out yet, you can always look it up here to get a reminder.

If you are facing a right handed picture and down 0–2, one – two, or even 2–2 you are most likely going to get a slider down and away out of the zone.

You’re welcome buddy

1-2 and he got a FB down the middle. Expected slider in the dirt and just took it.

Its hard to hit a baseball, especially when you’re guessing.

[kyace]

I’ve been a supporter of Walker but I’ve reached a point where I think it is in all parties best interest to move on. Maybe the Yankees, they have a history of working with tall hitters in Judge and now Spencer Jones both who are 6’7. They have a lot of pitching prospects and could use a right hand bat. They could start him in AAA while working on his swing.

[rockondlouie]

Just no growth whatsoever coming from Walker.

He'll have a nice stretch, then immediately slip back into the abyss.

It's reaching a point where the Cardinals may have to accept he's just not a major league caliber player (can't hit/horrible fielder).

I'd bet Bloom cuts the cord and moves on quickly in 2026 if Walker doesn't come to STing a "new man" at the plate and in the field.

[Rojo Johnson]

Jordan appears not to like the big league life very much. He has an option next year, and I would use it and let him stay there till he shows he understands what they are doing and how to handle it. He needs to start by getting closer to the plate so he can get a better view of the zone. He is clueless right now. Memphis would be good for him.

Despite his large athletic build, he does not have a professional swing. Compare Burleson.

Thanks, Shady.

[Cusecards]

Just in case you haven’t figured it out yet, you can always look it up here to get a reminder.

If you are facing a right handed picture and down 0–2, one – two, or even 2–2 you are most likely going to get a slider down and away out of the zone.

You’re welcome buddy

1-2 and he got a FB down the middle. Expected slider in the dirt and just took it.

Its hard to hit a baseball, especially when you’re guessing.

Great point.
“Guess” hitting and “launch” angle have taken over.
Flailing at pitches 2/3 feet off the plate then watching strike three down the middle is all over the game.
Not just Walker either!

[dugoutrex]

I’ve been a supporter of Walker but I’ve reached a point where I think it is in all parties best interest to move on. Maybe the Yankees, they have a history of working with tall hitters in Judge and now Spencer Jones both who are 6’7. They have a lot of pitching prospects and could use a right hand bat. They could start him in AAA while working on his swing.

no one is giving a good prospect for JW

[82birds]

Just in case you haven’t figured it out yet, you can always look it up here to get a reminder.

If you are facing a right handed picture and down 0–2, one – two, or even 2–2 you are most likely going to get a slider down and away out of the zone.

You’re welcome buddy

1-2 and he got a FB down the middle. Expected slider in the dirt and just took it.

He did take the slider low and away 0-2 and was expecting it again and got the fastball down the middle instead.

guessing is not a good strategy

[kyace]

I’ve been a supporter of Walker but I’ve reached a point where I think it is in all parties best interest to move on. Maybe the Yankees, they have a history of working with tall hitters in Judge and now Spencer Jones both who are 6’7. They have a lot of pitching prospects and could use a right hand bat. They could start him in AAA while working on his swing.

no one is giving a good prospect for JW

Maybe not a top prospect but teams will see the top 5 bat speed and exit velocity he provides and think they can fix him.

[3dender]

Hopefully starts at AA next year and earns his way back..I have no faith in any of that happening

We've done this the past 3 years. Didn't help. I think he will be out of options.

They definitely did not start him any of the last 3 years in the minors. They ended up demoting him but they did not start him there.

Next year they absolutely need to start him in AAA and leave him there until he starts mashing AAA pitching. And if he doesn't they need to trade him next winter.

[Ozziesfan41]

I’ve been a supporter of Walker but I’ve reached a point where I think it is in all parties best interest to move on. Maybe the Yankees, they have a history of working with tall hitters in Judge and now Spencer Jones both who are 6’7. They have a lot of pitching prospects and could use a right hand bat. They could start him in AAA while working on his swing.

no one is giving a good prospect for JW

Maybe not a top prospect but teams will see the top 5 bat speed and exit velocity he provides and think they can fix him.

Best they could get is a lottery ticket for him at this point. I agree with those that say keep him but let him start in the minors no matter what he does in spring training and let
Him hit his way back to the majors

[blackinkbiz]

I’ve been a supporter of Walker but I’ve reached a point where I think it is in all parties best interest to move on. Maybe the Yankees, they have a history of working with tall hitters in Judge and now Spencer Jones both who are 6’7. They have a lot of pitching prospects and could use a right hand bat. They could start him in AAA while working on his swing.

no one is giving a good prospect for JW

Maybe not a top prospect but teams will see the top 5 bat speed and exit velocity he provides and think they can fix him.

Best they could get is a lottery ticket for him at this point. I agree with those that say keep him but let him start in the minors no matter what he does in spring training and let
Him hit his way back to the majors

It's absolutely what they should do, but I think it makes too much sense for the current regime. Hopefully Bloom will recognize it's what's best for everyone before Walker swings his way into a black hole from which he can never escape.