The Cardinals’ 2020 MLB Draft could end up being historic

Alec Burleson looks to be a great hitter

Alec Burleson may not have the ceiling of Walker, Winn, or Hence, but his bat has already proven to be big league ready before finishing his second season in the Cardinals system.

In 109 games at AAA Memphis this last season, Burleson hit .331/.372/.532 with 20 HR and 87 RBI at just age 23. Burleson had just 888 at bats before making it to the big league level, which is a fast track for someone who was the fourth selection by St. Louis. Burleson only got 48 at-bats in St. Louis this season, and will look to establish himself there in Spring Training.

The biggest weakness in Burleson’s game is his defense. He has play the corner outfield positions and first base, but he is much better suited as a designated hitter, where he can just look to mash at the plate. Most teams would love to end up with the kind of hitter that Burleson profiles to be with their first round picks, and yet, he rounds out the promising crew from this draft.

Even if only a few of Walker, Winn, Hence, and Burleson pan out at the major league level, this draft would have been a major success for St. Louis. If all four continue to develop like they have been, we will be writing stories about this class for decades to come.