Despite a draft that had leaned heavy toward college players and was still thick with college pitchers, the Cardinals broke from the trend and went with one of the most intriguing high school bats available.
With the 21st overall pick, the Cardinals selected Jordan Walker, a third baseman from Decatur (Ga.) High School.
Walker has committed to Duke.
The pick will draw comparisons to the Cardinals' first pick in 2018 _ Nolan Gorman, a slugger from a Phoenix-area high school. Walker has power upside and is viewed by scouts as a polished hitter for his age to go with a massive frame, at 6-foot-5, 220 pounds.
Baseball America's scouting report calls Walker, "The best high school third baseman in the class."
It continues: "Walker has a solid feel to hit with plus raw power and plenty more projected as he grows into more strength. While there are some questions about his natural feel to hit thanks to the length of his arms and some swing-and-miss concerns, Walker has progressed in the right direction with his hit tool and could be an average or slightly better hitter."
The slot value for the Cardinals' 21st overall pick is $3.1 million.
Headlined by Gorman, the Cardinals' top position player prospects are stacking up at third base. After Gorman there's Elehuris Montero and Malcom Nunez at third base. All three of them are not expected to play third base as they advance to the majors, however. Gorman is considered the most advanced at the position of the trio.
Walker could grow to play first base as well.
Entering the draft, Walker was considered the 33rd best prospect by MLB.com and the 34th overall for Baseball America. MLB.com begins a scouting report on Walker by calling him "arguably the best Duke baseball recruit ever."
