Alec Burleson's emergence is softening the impact of the Cardinals' infamous trade involving Zac Gallen and Sandy Alcantara for Marcell Ozuna, which has been heavily criticized in St. Louis.

By the Numbers
  • Alcantara won a Cy Young Award, and Gallen has been a strong contender for the award.
  • Burleson, a top 100 prospect, has showcased a 123 OPS+ and is performing well for the Cardinals in 2023.
Yes, But

The Ozuna trade remains a glaring misstep for the Cardinals, despite the positive impact of Burleson's presence.

State of Play
  • Burleson is positioning himself as a key player for the Cardinals, potentially taking over from Goldschmidt in the future.
  • The Cardinals' 2020 draft class, including Burleson and Tink Hence, has added depth and potential to the team.
What's Next

Burleson's performance may continue to mitigate the repercussions of the Ozuna trade, offering a silver lining for Cardinals fans.

Bottom Line

Despite the lingering disappointment over the trade, Alec Burleson's emergence provides a significant positive for the Cardinals, potentially reshaping the narrative surrounding this controversial deal.