St. Louis Cardinals top prospect Jordan Walker has been making waves in Major League Baseball (MLB) recently. The 19-year-old slugger from Georgia made his MLB debut on September 15, 2021, and just a few days later, he hit his first home run.
In the eighth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves on September 19, Walker came up to bat with the Cardinals down 4-1. The Braves had just pulled starting pitcher Max Fried and replaced him with Michael Tonkin, a right-handed reliever.
Tonkin’s first pitch to Walker was an 89 mph fastball, which he fouled off. The second pitch was a 90 mph fastball that Walker crushed over the left field wall, sending the ball 425 feet for his first MLB home run.
Walker’s home run couldn’t have come at a better time for the Cardinals, who were trying to mount a comeback in the late innings. He showed impressive power to drive the ball deep to the opposite field, something that scouts have been raving about since he was drafted in the first round in 2020.
Walker’s home run wasn’t just a milestone for himself, but it was also a historic moment for the Cardinals franchise. He became the first Cardinals player to hit a home run in his age-19 season or younger since Albert Pujols did it in 2001.
The Cardinals have high hopes for Walker, who is considered one of the best prospects in baseball. He has already shown flashes of his impressive power and hitting ability in his brief time in the MLB, and it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a mainstay in the Cardinals lineup.
Walker’s home run off Tonkin was a reminder of the exciting future that lies ahead for both him and the Cardinals. With his talent and potential, Walker could become one of the next great sluggers in the MLB. Fans will want to keep a close eye on him as he continues to make his mark on the league.
