Cardinals reward top prospect with spot on Opening Day roster

Cardinals spring training star Jordan Walker is getting his big league shot with a spot on St. Louis’ Opening Day roster for 2023.

Jordan Walker has been waiting patiently for his chance to see some action in the big leagues. It seems that time has come.

The 20-year-old who ranks fourth among all MLB prospects just earned himself a spot on the Cardinals‘ Opening Day roster.

Team president John Mozeliak announced the news on Saturday evening.

“Based on the spring that Jordan Walker had, we really felt compelled to give him a shot,” Mozeliak told Tom Ackerman of KMOX Sports.

This spring, Walker gave St. Louis ever reason to give him a chance. He batted .295/.307/.525 with three home runs, nine RBI and two stolen bases in 62 plate appearances.

Cardinals put faith in Jordan Walker with Opening Day roster spot

The Cardinals will need to make a roster move on Wednesday or Thursday to open up the spot for Walker, according to John Denton of MLB.com.

Denton also shared a fun story of how Oli Marmol let Walker know about the decision. The manager asked the outfielder what he thought his best personal trait was.

“Walker pointed to his short memory when things are going well or badly,” Denton tweeted. “Then, Marmol broke the news.”

The 6-foot-5, 220 unit of an outfielder is going to have to put that trait to use as he begins his major league journey.

St. Louis drafted Walker in 2020. However, the first round selection wasn’t able to get things started in the minor leagues because of the COVID-19 pandemic. When he finally got the chance to show his stuff in 2021, he played for Low-A Palm Beach. The first pitched he faced was a home run. He went on to appear for High-A Peoria in 2021 then moved on to Double-A Springfield in 2022. He also played for Salt River in the Arizona Fall League.

At all levels in the minors, he went .310/.388/.525 with 38 home runs, 132 RBI and 39 stolen base in two seasons.