Ranking the St. Louis Cardinals' trade pieces entering Spring Training

May 22, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Juan Yepez (36) and
May 22, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Juan Yepez (36) and / Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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#5 - Alec Burleson

Alec Burleson has the edge on Yepez in this ranking for two reasons: Burleson does his damage from the left side of the plate and he is able to play the corner outfield and first base at a higher level than Yepez.

Both players have the ability to do damage at the plate. While Yepez has 30+ HR power potential, Burleson may hit more like 20-25 HRs but hit for a higher average and OBP. The ability to have a guy that can do damage like that as a left-handed hitter is so valuable in this league.

Burleson has also become a bit undervalued as a defensive player. No, he's not going to be a star in the field, but he can be an average defender at three positions, something I am not sure Yepez will ever be able to say.

Burleson only got a brief stint in St. Louis in 2022 but should have a lot more opportunities this season. His .905 OPS in Triple-A last season was extremely promising, especially since it was only his second professional season. Burleson is a guy that will be sought after by other clubs if St. Louis is not utilizing him.