Cardinals slugger, Alec Burleson, is set to take a major step forward for the club next season: an emergence they desperately need.
Burleson, 26, was a premier member of the Cardinals offense in 2024. Through 152 games, he slashed .269/.735/.420 with 21 HR and 78 RBI.
Alec Burleson Gears Up for an All-Star Bid Next Year
With the Cardinals set to focus on internal development, Burleson should have all of the opportunity he needs to take the next step toward stardom for the struggling team.
Burleson’s Stellar 2024
At the end of Spring Training, the Cardinals came close to leaving Burleson off the roster entirely following a mediocre performance in 2023. However, injuries to Lars Nootbaar and Tommy Edman ultimately opened up a spot for Burleson, who quickly cemented himself as an every-day player with the Cardinals.
Burleson, through his offensive performance, undoubtedly proved his worth to the organization in 2024. Almost all of his major numbers saw a bump in comparison to 2023, his first full season in the majors.
However, what is truly encouraging is what has been consistent through his first two seasons. In both 2023 and 2024, Burleson has been in the upper echelon of Whiff% and K%. These two metrics are highly important for a hitter with Burleson’s profile, .
While his walk rate, at only 5.9%, is sub-par, his ability to square up to pitches outside of the strike zone helps to compensate for this fact. More importantly, when Burleson is able to square pitches up, he crushes them.
HIS NAME IS ALEC BURLESON!
If you don’t know his name yet, you should! pic.twitter.com/BIH9kVUF72
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) July 11, 2024
With his adaptable swing and ability to hit for power as well as contact, Burleson projects to continue to avoid lengthy slumps at the plate. Therefore, his ability to remain consistent will be vital to the Cardinals in the 2025 season.
Vote for Alec?
With the departure of a number of key players in the offseason, Burleson, who plays first base, left field, and right field, should continue to see an abundance of playing time. Although Willson Contreras has moved to first base in place of the departing Paul Goldschmidt, Burleson will still get the opportunity to hit on a daily basis, whether he plays at designated-hitter or a corner outfield spot.
Having already proven himself as one of the most underrated young players in the game, Burleson will have an opportunity to take a major step forward in 2025. Burleson, who hit for much of last season near the top of the lineup, should see similar placement again.
Assuming that Masyn Winn will retake the leadoff spot, Burleson will likely hit in the second or third spot, pairing with newly-crowned franchise cornerstone Brendan Donovan.
In doing so, Burleson will likely continue to take on a role as a contact hitter, showcasing his versatility at the plate. In the case of a Nolan Arenado trade, Burleson could take the fourth or fifth slot in the lineup to provide a boost of power.
Regardless, if his offensive numbers continue to improve, even marginally, it is very possible that Burleson could be making a case for an All-Star selection in 2025.
Main Photo Credits: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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