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Alec Burleson's MLB-leading RBIs just paired him with Stan Musial in Cardinals history

Have yourself a year, Alec Burleson!
ByJosh Jacobs
St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Alec Burleson (41) circles the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the seventh inning of their game against the Milwaukee Brewers Friday, September 25, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Alec Burleson (41) circles the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the seventh inning of their game against the Milwaukee Brewers Friday, September 25, 2026 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Any time you can put your name up with Stan Musial in St. Louis Cardinals history, you've done something really special. After Alec Burleson drove in his MLB-leading 116th RBI of the season on a solo home run against the Milwaukee Brewers, he now has the most RBI by a left-handed Cardinals hitter since Musial's 126 back in 1954.

That's pretty incredible, especially when you think about all of the great left-handed hitters in Cardinals history since then like Jim Edmonds, Matt Carpenter, Keith Hernandez, Tim McCarver, Ray Lankford, Lou Brock, Bill White, and more. Burleson just did something with the bat that none of them could.

In franchise history, Burleson's 116 RBI ranks 11th among all individual left-handed hitting seasons, and if he can find a way to get four more by the end of Game 162 on Sunday, he'll be tied for 10th all time with Jim Bottomley's 1926 season. Since 2000, Burleson's 116 RBI is tied with Albert Pujols' 2008 season for 10th-most by a Cardinal, with only Pujols (eight other times) and Rolen (2004) having more.

Burleson, who, at the time of writing this, holds the MLB lead in total RBI by three over Orioles slugger Pete Alonso, has been a revelation this year for the Cardinals, slashing .280/.344/.474 with 26 home runs and 64 total extra-base hits to go along with those 116 RBI. He's been a steady force in the Cardinals lineup and one of the best mashers of right-handed pitching in the sport, and it's hard to think of any reason why the Cardinals shouldn't be extending him as soon as possible.

Alec Burleson has more than prove he's a core piece for Cardinals future

Sure, Burleson is going to turn 28 years old this offseason, but if the Cardinals are really just a year or two away from being "back", he more than fits the timeline. Burleson's .818 OPS is the best on the team and 32nd in all of baseball this year, but it's important to note he's producing at this high a level while playing at Busch Stadium, which suppresses offensive production.

Burleson's production with runners in scoring position is especially impressive, as the lefty has slashed .358/.419/.514 with 19 extra-base hits in 173 at-bats. Even against left-handed pitching with runners in scoring position, the arms he really struggles against in general, Burleson was slashing .318/.351/.455 entering play today.

Given how open Burleson has been about his love for St. Louis and desire to help build the next contender here, it would be pretty foolish not to lock him down at this point.

Burleson recently told Derrick Good of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he would be "all ears" on a potential extension in St. Louis and wants to be a part of what they are building. Back at the trade deadline, Burleson spoke about how relieved he was that he was not moved after rumors swirled about his availability.

What a year for Burleson. The Cardinals are very, very lucky to have him in their lineup.

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