Cardinals’ Trade Deadline Strategy Could Put Jordan Walker on the Block
By Austin Owens | 20 hours ago
The St. Louis Cardinals have emerged as one of the more surprising teams in MLB this season, and their unexpected success has dramatically changed their approach heading into the trade deadline.
After two disappointing years, many assumed a full rebuild was on the horizon, with superstar Nolan Arenado expected to be on the move. But against all odds, Arenado stayed put, and now the Cardinals are firmly in the NL Central race. As of Monday, they sit just two games behind the division-leading Cubs with a 30-23 record—good enough for a Wild Card spot.
This playoff positioning has flipped their deadline strategy from “sellers” to “buyers.” And while Arenado is now off the table, another name from within the organization could be on the move: outfielder Jordan Walker.
Walker Could Be Key Trade Chip
Despite his status as a former top prospect, Jordan Walker continues to underperform at the MLB level. The Cardinals had high hopes for the 6-foot-6 slugger to break out in 2025, but his struggles have persisted. He’s currently batting just .212 with three home runs and 20 RBI—underwhelming numbers following a lackluster 2024 season.
Given his age, size, and raw power, Walker still holds appeal across the league. While his recent play may lower his trade value, there are likely teams that believe they can help him unlock his potential. That makes him an intriguing piece for the Cardinals to include in trade talks as they look to bolster their roster for a playoff run.
Walker won’t fetch a top-tier return on his own, but he could be the centerpiece in a deal for a solid contributor who fits St. Louis’ immediate needs. The question for the Cardinals’ front office is whether parting with such a high-upside player is worth the potential short-term reward.
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