The St. Louis Cardinals are expected to hear trade offers for several players this summer as president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom continues to carry out the roster overhaul he began during the offseason, even with the team enjoying a productive season.
Jordan Walker is widely viewed as nearly untouchable, but the Cardinals have several other impactful players under team control beyond 2026 who could potentially be dealt. One of those players has now emerged as a particularly popular target around the league.
Alec Burleson Emerging as Popular Trade Target
According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Cardinals first baseman/outfielder Alec Burleson has become one of the most sought-after controllable bats available ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline.
Morosi reported that Burleson is “one of the most popular controllable bats on the trade market,” making him a player worth watching closely as the deadline approaches.
The Cardinals appear increasingly likely to sell, with players such as Dustin May and Lars Nootbaar also viewed as potential trade candidates. However, Burleson could attract even more attention given his offensive production and remaining years of team control.
The 27-year-old has delivered an impressive season, posting an .805 OPS with 15 home runs, 121 hits and 1.9 bWAR across 111 games. His ability to contribute both in the outfield and at first base also gives interested teams additional flexibility.
Perhaps the biggest attraction for potential suitors is Burleson’s contract situation. The Cardinals control him through the 2028 season, meaning a team acquiring him would not simply be adding a player for the remainder of 2026. They would also have him under control for the 2027 and 2028 campaigns.
That level of control could significantly increase Burleson’s trade value.
From St. Louis’ perspective, there would be little reason to move a productive, controllable left-handed hitter for anything less than a substantial return. If the Cardinals ultimately decide to trade him, Bloom should have considerable leverage when negotiating with interested teams.
A potential deal could require a package headlined by a top-100 prospect, especially if multiple clubs enter the bidding.
Burleson’s combination of offensive production, versatility, age and years of team control makes him an appealing target for contenders looking to strengthen their lineup. And while Cardinals fans may not want to see him leave, a trade could ultimately benefit the organization if Bloom secures a significant prospect haul in return.
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