Walker’s breakout finally earns All-MLB recognition, named to the All-MLB Second Team

Jordan Walker’s long-awaited big-league breakout is complete. The MLB Awards announced that the St. Louis right fielder has been selected to the All-MLB Second Team, his first time earning the honor.

The path was not smooth. MLB’s Cardinals write-up says Walker opened his career with a strong 2023 start, then slumped during the following two seasons before the performance turned again.

This past season, Walker produced a stat line that matched the expectations attached to him as a prospect: 29 home runs, 102 runs batted in, and 22 stolen bases. He also earned his first career All-Star selection.

Walker’s year included another milestone beyond the regular season. He won the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia, defeating Kyle Schwarber in the final round to become the first Cardinals player to take the midsummer event.

MLB’s release also tied the turnaround to measurable changes in quality of contact and his overall approach. It highlighted elite bat speed (79.3 mph) and a career-best 13.2% barrel rate. It also noted that he reduced his strikeout rate in 2026 to 26.1%, down from 31.8% the previous season.

Defense and baserunning were presented as part of the two-way package. MLB’s account said Walker’s average outfield arm strength ranked in the 99th percentile, and that he swiped 22 bases in 27 attempts while posting +3 baserunning run value.