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Jordan Walker 2023 MLB Player Outlook: Immense Power Not On Display Quite Yet
2 years agoSt. Louis Cardinals third baseman/outfielder Jordan Walker has been a top prospect for a couple of years now. During that time, he became known for his immense raw power. That power has yet to translate to games much, however. Walker has 201 professional games under his belt and 33 home runs. He had a good, yet unspectacular, .204 ISO in AA last season while putting the ball in the air 31.4% of the time. For comparison's sake, Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford finished with the same percentage. His 17.8% HR/FB ratio was the same as New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo's, proving he drives the ball out of the park when he puts it in the air. The power shouldn't be a concern long term for Walker. However, his 2023 season might not provide prospective fantasy managers with the homer jolt they may expect upon call-up. If the 20-year-old can lift the ball more in St. Louis, the young slugger could be a multi-category contributor in a good lineup. Walker will be rostered in most leagues when he reaches the majors, but he may require a wait-and-see period before counting on him. He is expected to be called up to the majors in May/June. With Nolan Arenado locked in at third base, Walker will compete for a spot in the Cardinals' outfield. A .260 average with a dozen homers and a handful of steals should be expected from Walker. ATC projections are on board with this assessment, projecting Walker to slash .251/.309/.404 with 10 homers, 37 RBI, 39 runs, and seven stolen bases over 82 games. With an NFBC ADP of 257.16, Walker is a solid pick and should chip in some homers and steals for fantasy managers when he does get the call to the big leagues.
