Cardinals: 5 most valuable trade assets this offseason

PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 20: Nolan Gorman #16 of the St. Louis Cardinals is met by Juan Yepez #36 after they both came around to score on a RBI single by Yadier Molina #4 in the sixth inning during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on May 20, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 20: Nolan Gorman #16 of the St. Louis Cardinals is met by Juan Yepez #36 after they both came around to score on a RBI single by Yadier Molina #4 in the sixth inning during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on May 20, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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Cardinals Alec Burleson
Alec Burleson #41 of the St. Louis Cardinals bats in two runs with a single against the Pittsburgh Pirates. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

#3 – Alec Burleson

One of the best players in all of Minor League baseball this last season, Alec Burleson forced his way onto the St. Louis roster after just under two minor league seasons due his major league ready bat.

For Memphis in 2022, Burleson hit .331/.372/.532 with 20 HR and 87 RBI in just 109 games played. He posted an OPS of just .535 for St. Louis this year, but only appeared in 16 games late in the year. Burleson was a part of the Cardinals incredible 2020 draft class, and should be on a Major League roster next year, whether that is with the Cardinals or another organization.

Burleson is running into the same issues as Yepez as far as roster fit. Burleson is an even worse defender than Yepez, so DH really seems to be the best fit for him long-term. The club could end up penciling him in there, but with so many other options on their team and a probable desire to use that spot to rotate players, Burleson could be a huge trade chip for them.

Teams around baseball who are in need of offense could be very interested in Burleson. He will be under team control for six more seasons, giving him immense value for both rebuilding clubs and contenders alike. If the Cardinals make a big move, don’t be surprised to see his name in the deal.