Spring training is days away for the St. Louis Cardinals. One of the many questions looming is what to do with Alec Burleson.
The ECU grad and star player led the Cardinals with 78 RBIs and also had 21 home runs last season. However, as StlSportsPage and other publications have noted, there doesn’t seem to be a regular spot for him on the field and in the lineup.
He could certainly play DH for the team. However, with Wilson Contreras moving from catcher to first base, a loaded outfield and others vying for time make it tough for Burleson.
The Belleville News-Democrat pointed out, “It’s hard to construct many lineups which contain all of (Nolan) Arenado, Burleson, (Brendan) Donovan, (Nolan) Gorman and Jordan Walker, and history seemingly demonstrates that Burleson could be on the outside looking in. That’s a tough position for a player who led the team in runs batted in last season
RedBirdRants.com reports Burleson could fill in at first and in the outfield when not playing DH.
MLB.com reports that when injuries hit the Cardinals last season, that was when Burleson broke into the lineup and showed his value.
“When Spring Training started in 2024, Burleson looked like he might get squeezed out because of a lack of opportunities. However, injuries to three outfielders opened chances for Burleson, who evolved into one of the feel-good stories of the season for the Redbirds. Contreras will split time at DH to keep his bat in the lineup and to give Burleson more reps at first base.”