Inside The Cardinals

Cardinals Predicted To Use Struggling Prospect As 'Trade Bait'

Could the Cardinals entertain the idea of putting Jordan Walker on the trade block?
Zach Pressnell|
May 24, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) reacts after hitting a two run double against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the seventh inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
May 24, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) reacts after hitting a two run double against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the seventh inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

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St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals have a strong young core, but one of their highest potential young stars has struggled tremendously.

Jordan Walker has slashed .207/.264/.293 with concerning strikeout numbers and a negative WAR. His bat has been nearly unplayable at this point.

FanSided's Austin Owens recently suggested the Cardinals would use the struggling Walker as "trade bait" this season.

"Walker is still young enough and has enough upside that the Cardinals could get the upgrades they need at the deadline by trading him," Owens wrote. "It is too early to tell exactly what those needs will be, but it can be expected that Walker will be discussed in at least one of the trades St. Louis makes before the deadline.

"With his underwhelming performances at the plate over the last two seasons, it is not like St. Louis will be able to get top prospects or household names for him, but there will be a team out there willing to part ways with a piece that can help the Cardinals because they feel Walker's potential could be reached elsewhere. The question St. Louis will have to answer is whether that trade-off is worth it."

While there's a chance the Cardinals give up on Walker, it's unlikely. He's still just 23 years old and loaded with potential. He might have the highest potential on the team if he can put all the pieces together.

But the bigger issue would be Owens' idea that the Cardinals wouldn't be getting any kind of solid name in exchange for him. Walker has way too much potential and talent to be dumped in a deal. If he is to be traded, the Cardinals would need to land a star or potential star to make it worth it. Anything less would be a complete waste.

More MLB: MLB Insider Suggests Cardinals Star 'Building A Case' For All-Star Bid

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Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding "St. Louis Cardinals On SI," please reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org

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