Cardinals: 3 ‘untouchable’ prospects St. Louis should protect at all cost

The St. Louis Cardinals have a slew of prospects that are catching the eyes of teams across the league. Who would the Cardinals say are “untouchable” though?

The St. Louis Cardinals have a lot of young, dynamic talent in their minor league system that has them poised to be pretty good for years to come. Yet, only some of those players could be part of deals in the future to improve the club.

As the trade deadline looms, Cards fans will start hearing some names that may be unfamiliar now but will be known names in years to come.

Let’s take a look at the prospects the Cardinals should say are “untouchable” and protect at all costs with the trade deadline coming Aug. 2.

Jordan Walker is the Cardinals’ No. 1 prospect

At 20 years old, Jordan Walker can’t buy a beer but he is one of the most exciting young players in the minor leagues and looks to be a future All-Star in the making. Walker was drafted as a third baseman and is a dynamic player at the position. With Nolan Arenado likely to occupy the hot corner for years to come, it’s a possibility that Walker may transition to first base to provide a seamless transition from Paul Goldschmidt a few years from now.

The 21st-overall pick in the first round of the 2020 Amateur Draft from Decatur High School in Georgia for the Cardinals, Walker quickly rose to Double-A Springfield. This season he is killing it at the plate.

He is hitting .304/.392/.486 with an OPS of .878 with 37 walks, 21 doubles, three triples, eight home runs, 35 RBI, and 15 stolen bases. That’s impressive for a 20-year-old getting his first looks at professional pitching.

Take a look at Walker taking batting practice in preparation for the Future’s Game at Dodger Stadium.

Walker has a .898 fielding percentage at third base for Springfield with 53 putouts, 97 assists, and six double plays.

The Cards are high on the talented youngster. Expect him to be a star in St. Louis for years to come.