Hit: 50 Power: 70 Run: 55 Fielding: 50 Arm: 60 BA Grade: 70 Risk: High
Born: May 22, 2002. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-5. WT: 220.
Drafted: HS—Decatur, GA, 2020 (1st round).
Signed by: Charles Peterson.
TRACK RECORD: As a rising high school senior, Walker was viewed as one of the best power hitters in the 2020 prep class, but he struggled with swing-and-miss on the summer showcase circuit. He rectified the issue and showed improved bat-to-ball skills and plate discipline for Decatur (Ga.) High prior to the 2020 coronavirus shutdown. The Cardinals selected Walker with the 21st overall pick that June and signed him for $2.9 million. Walker debuted with Low-A Palm Beach in 2021 and moved quickly to High-A Peoria after he put up a 1.162 OPS in 27 games. He spent 55 games in the Midwest League and hit .292/.344/.487 as one of the youngest players at the level. In 2022, Walker moved to Double-A Springfield, where he was the youngest position player at the classification to start the season. Walker responded with another standout campaign and hit .306/.388/.510 with 31 doubles and 19 home runs. Late in the season, the Cardinals moved Walker from third base to right field, where he projects to settle.
Walker has a tall, well-conditioned frame that projects strength and athleticism. He balances both power and contact at the plate. His longer levers lead to swing-andmiss, but he balances it with a simple, powerful swing and good tracking skills. Despite a longer swing path, Walker shows the ability to hit a variety of pitch shapes and locations. His best contact comes on the outer half of the plate, where he can extend his arms and drive balls to all fields. He’s an aggressive hitter who likes to swing. While this approach can often lead to strikeouts, Walker’s innate bat-to-ball skills and strength allow him to overcome his aggressive tendencies. The length of his levers and bat path help him cover the whole plate, while also allowing him to barrel pitches in the outside shadow zone. Walker’s double-plus raw power flashes in games and is backed by standout exit velocity numbers. During the 2022 season, 45% of Walker’s balls in play were hit at 95 mph or harder, and his 114.6
