Morosi: Burleson Trade Frenzy Ignites — Contenders Circling
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:
- He hits well – Those numbers above are genuinely good
- Team control – The Cardinals have rights to him for two more years after this one (through 2026)
- Young-ish – At 27, he’s entering his prime years
- 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:
- High asking price – The Cardinals would need a "pretty large return" (really good players/prospects)
- Still valuable – A controllable, productive hitter is hard to replace
- 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.