Inside The Cardinals

Cardinals Cornerstone Isn’t Safe Ahead Of Trade Deadline

What are the Cardinals going to do over the next few weeks?
Patrick McAvoy|
May 26, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; A general view of a flooded Busch Stadium during a weather delay before a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
May 26, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; A general view of a flooded Busch Stadium during a weather delay before a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

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St. Louis Cardinals

There was a time a few years ago when Jordan Walker seemed to be the star of the future for the St. Louis Cardinals.

He has a great rookie year and was one of the top overall prospects in baseball. Last year and this season so far have changed the perception around him, though. Now, his future is up in the air and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Derrick Goold shared that he at least is expected to generate trade buzz ahead of the July 31st trade deadline.

"Walker went on the injured list this past month due to appendicitis," Goold said. "The Cardinals assigned him to Class AA Springfield (Missouri) for his rehab so that he could work with coaches there on a swing adjustment. When he’s set to return to the majors, his playing time is uncertain, especially as Alec Burleson has hit his way into a starting job.

"Walker was a prominent part of the Cardinals’ 'runway' plan — to see if he would be the talent to take off. Now, at the deadline, teams expect to ask if he’s in play for trade talks or if the Cardinals will deal from overlaps at other positions."

If Walker ends up getting traded, that would be a pretty big shock. There was a time in which it seemed like he could be the guy St. Louis builds the roster around. Now, it doesn't sound like he's safe ahead of the deadline.

More MLB: Cardinals All-Star Isn’t Leaving, Per St. Louis Insider

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Patrick McAvoy
PATRICK MCAVOY

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sports coverage at the New England Sports Network with a focus on baseball and basketball. Outside of journalism, Patrick also is pursuing an MBA at Brandeis University. After quickly rising as one of the most productive writers on the site, he expanded his reach to write for Baseball Essential, a national baseball site in Sports Illustrated Media Group. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding Inside The Cardinals, please reach out to Scott Neville: nevilles@merrimack.edu

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