3 St. Louis Cardinals jobs Jordan Walker could steal this season

1. Jordan Walker can steal the other corner spot from Lars Nootbaar

The spot Jordan Walker has played the most other than third base in the minors is right field. 37 of his 52 appearances have been in right, and I’d assume that’s where he’s the most comfortable in the outfield.

Lars Nootbaar’s numbers don’t pop off the screen, but I believe he’s in for a big 2023. If the Cardinals disagree or if he struggles, I could definitely see Walker taking his spot.

Nootbaar slashed .228/.340/.448 with 14 home runs and 40 RBI in 108 games last year. A .788 OPS is very solid and a 126 OPS+ is even better. Walker, however, projects to be a star. The Cardinals will get his bat in wherever they see fit.

Nootbaar is an analytics darling, ranking in the 90th percentile in average exit velocity, the 89th percentile in max exit velocity, and the 92nd percentile in chase rate according to baseball savant. Nootbaar hit the ball extremely hard and didn’t chase pitches. That’s a recipe for success.

If Walker is more comfortable in right than in left, I could easily see St. Louis either moving Nootbaar to the other corner, or just benching him. Again, when he’s deemed to be ready, the Cardinals will get his bat in the lineup one way or another.