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Originally Posted by DJ's left nut
I wouldn't say that.
I'd say he's the type of prospect that Oscar Taveras was sold as being. He already has a quicker, more compact swing than OT did and while OT was a guy who was FAR less athletic than his body type appeared, Walker is the opposite. Walker is a massive dude who doesn't look like much of an athlete but he's actually pretty impressive in the field and on the bases.
He'll grow out of that, IMO, but he can still play corner OF for now and do it quite well.
But think about Jose Martinez for a second. Everything about that guy suggested he should be able to hit for power and he just...didn't. It was something in his swing and they never got it out of him.
If Walker's game power doesn't develop, I'd say Jose Martinez is his floor. But he's so damn young that there's no reason to believe he can't be much better than that.
I'd say the difference in development is something between a 25 HR guy with a .360 OBP and .780 OPS or a 35-40 HR guy w/ a .390 OBP and .900 OPS.
He's just too damn young right now to know exactly where he'll end up, but I think he'll be a pretty good ballplayer either way. Then again, I was a massive Dylan Carlson stan when he was still in the low minors and there appears to be a non-zero chance that he kinda sucks.
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There are a whole lot of "Dylan Carlson" stories in the Cardinals history. Guys who show so much promise and then just end up being below average. I'm sure Walker will be the exception though. I think he can be really good if they give him the time he needs.