The Alec Burleson Trade Rumors: What’s Really Going On?

Who Is Alec Burleson?

Imagine a baseball player who hits the ball really well but struggles to catch it. That’s Alec Burleson in a nutshell! He’s a 27-year-old player for the St. Louis Cardinals who has been having a pretty great season at the plate.

His 2024 Season By The Numbers

Here’s how Burleson has performed in 111 games this year:

• Batting Average: .284 – He gets a hit almost 3 out of every 10 times at bat
• On-Base Percentage: .347 – He reaches base over 1/3 of the time
• Slugging Percentage: .458 – He hits for decent power
• Home Runs: 15 – That’s a solid number!
• RBIs: 71 – He drives in a lot of runs
• Stolen Bases: 3 – Not a speed guy, but he can run a little

Important Point: Those slash numbers (.284/.347/.458) are called a "triple slash line" – it’s just a quick way to show batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage all at once!

Why Teams Want Him

Burleson is popular on the trade market – meaning other teams are calling the Cardinals asking "Hey, can we have him?" Here’s why:

1. He hits well – Those numbers above are genuinely good
2. Team control – The Cardinals have rights to him for two more years after this one (through 2026)
3. Young-ish – At 27, he’s entering his prime years
4. Affordable – He won’t be a free agent for a while, so he’s not expensive yet

The Big "But" – His Defense

Here’s the catch (pun intended): Burleson struggles defensively.

• He’s graded as a poor defender at every position he’s played
• This includes first base – which is usually the easiest defensive position!
• He’s essentially a DH (Designated Hitter) – a player who only hits and doesn’t play the field

Important Point: In the National League (where the Cardinals play), the DH spot is limited. Having a player who can only DH creates roster construction challenges.

Why He Probably Won’t Be Traded

Despite the trade buzz, a deal is unlikely because:

1. High asking price – The Cardinals would need a "pretty large return" (really good players/prospects)
2. Still valuable – A controllable, productive hitter is hard to replace
3. Two years left – They don’t have to move him right now

The Long-Term Question

The Cardinals have to decide: Is a bat-first, defense-limited player worth keeping long-term?

• Pro: He produces runs consistently
• Con: He limits lineup flexibility and defensive alignment
• Question: Can he improve enough at first base to be passable?

Summary

• Alec Burleson is a 27-year-old Cardinals hitter having a strong offensive season
• Other teams want him because he hits well and is under team control through 2026
• But he’s a poor defender – essentially limited to DH duties
• Trade unlikely unless Cardinals get an overwhelming offer
• Long-term fit remains a question mark for St. Louis

FAQ

Q: What does "team control" mean?
A: It means the Cardinals own his contract rights for the next two seasons. He can’t leave as a free agent until after 2026, and his salary will be determined through arbitration (a process where a panel decides his pay based on performance).

Q: What’s a Designated Hitter (DH)?
A: A player in the batting lineup who doesn’t play a defensive position in the field. The American League uses DHs full-time; the National League (Cardinals’ league) adopted it permanently in 2022.

Q: Why is first base considered an "easy" defensive position?
A: First basemen don’t need great range or arm strength. They mostly catch throws from other infielders. If someone struggles there, it’s a significant red flag.

Q: What would a "large return" look like in a trade?
A: Likely top-tier prospects (young players with high potential) or established major league players at positions of need. Think: a team’s #1 or #2 prospect plus another solid piece.

Q: Can Burleson improve his defense?
A: Possibly! Players can improve defensively with work, but at 27, major defensive leaps are less common. The Cardinals will weigh this carefully this offseason.