Jordan Walker’s impressive start at the plate has been a major focus this season, but his defensive capabilities were emphatically displayed with a remarkable throw from right field. The 23-year-old’s throw to nail Detroit’s Javier Báez at home showcased his defensive progress.
Walker’s Record-Breaking Throw
During the game against the Tigers, Gleyber Torres hit a hard line drive to right field with two outs and Báez running on contact. Walker’s perfect throw was essential to get Báez out. He played the ball off the hop and launched a 100.6 mph throw 244 feet to Iván Herrera at the plate.
This throw was the fastest-recorded assist by a Cardinal in the Statcast era, which began in 2015. It also marked the hardest-tracked throw for an assist in MLB this season.
Manager Marmol’s Observations
Manager Oliver Marmol observed a change in Walker’s demeanour. Marmol noted that Walker is playing with more freedom. He highlighted Walker’s throws, noting they keep runners to a single and prevent them from advancing, instilling confidence in his overall game.
“He’s playing the game a little bit with more freedom,” Marmol told reporters. “Some good throws, that ball off the wall early, kind of keep them to a single, and then being able to throw the guy out at the plate, those are the things you want him to gain confidence, not only defensively, but just carry that into just the overall game. He’s doing a much better job of that. I like the way he’s showing up every day and the mindset behind it.”
Defensive Transition and Confidence
Walker’s transition to the outfield has been challenging. He was moved from third base to the outfield late in the 2022 season at Double-A. His rookie season saw him post a -13 OAA, which was the third worst among MLB outfielders.
Walker felt he needed a defensive reset. He attributes his turnaround in the field to increased self-confidence.
“Honestly, I just trust myself a little bit more,” Walker told reporters last season. “I think [outfield coach Jon Jay] has been good about telling me, ‘Trust that first step! Trust that first step!’ I’d rather go hard and maybe misread that first step and still have time to adjust than hesitate. There are going to be balls that are hard to read, but my main goal every time now is to trust my first step and go from there.”
Walker’s improved confidence was evident in the sixth inning when he made a grab on a knuckleball line drive from Zack McKinstry.
Walker’s arm strength has been evident early in the season, with runners hesitant to take extra bases. He held Kerry Carpenter to a single after a strong throw from the outfield wall. The confident strike from Walker is a shift after seasons filled with growing pains.