Jordan Walker has equalled his 2025 home run total already this season. The Cardinals player matched the total by April 11.
Walker’s Impact on the Cardinals
Walker’s improved performance has been a welcomed boost for St. Louis. Even though the Cardinals lost to the Red Sox, Walker made an impact. The game was otherwise quiet for the St. Louis offence, with the Red Sox winning 7-1.
After seven scoreless innings for the Cardinals, Walker hit a home run in the eighth. The home run cut the deficit to 2-1. The ball travelled 429 feet.
Walker’s sixth homer came in his 14th game of 2026. This matches his total from last season across 111 games. He ended Saturday tied for the Major League home run lead with Gunnar Henderson and Yordan Alvarez.
Swing Speed and Adjustments
Walker ranks in the 99th percentile across MLB in swing speed. He whipped his bat through the zone at 82.3 mph against a 94.3 mph sinker. This produced an exit velocity of 109.6 mph.
The swing was the fastest of Saturday’s game on a ball in play. It was faster by a full 2.5 mph.
Only five home run swings across the Majors this season had a faster swing speed than Walker’s on Saturday.
Walker said he needs to “find a barrel”. He hopes that the rest will then work out for itself.
Walker’s Journey
Walker came into the league in 2023. He found out that baseball is a game of adjustments. He posted a .619 OPS in 2024 and a .584 OPS in 2025.
Mechanics and alterations to his approach have been major topics of conversation surrounding Walker. This includes his batting stance and swing.
Walker is again finding a semblance of…