Pirates Eye Cardinals’ Burleson in Bold Trade Moves
The Pittsburgh Pirates are setting their sights on bolstering their lineup as they look to make a significant playoff push this offseason. In a surprising turn of events, the team has reportedly entered trade discussions concerning several left-handed hitters from the St. Louis Cardinals, with Alec Burleson emerging as a key target.
A Competitive Landscape
Katie Woo of The Athletic highlighted that the Pirates are not just focused on Burleson; they have previously expressed interest in other Cardinals’ left-handed talents, including second baseman Brendan Donovan, outfielder Lars Nootbaar, and infielder Nolan Gorman. This approach underscores the Pirates’ strategic intent to enhance their roster with versatile offensive options ahead of the upcoming season.
Burleson’s Rising Stock
Alec Burleson is an intriguing prospect for the Pirates, having shown continuous improvement in his hitting metrics year after year. His performance culminated in a National League Silver Slugger Award as a utility player this past season, a testament to his offensive capabilities.
The Pirates are particularly drawn to Burleson’s potential as a robust left-handed hitter, a crucial element they lack as they aim for postseason contention. Over the past two seasons, Burleson has showcased his power, hitting a combined total of 40 home runs. Last season, he recorded 18 home runs, a figure that, while modest in some contexts, would have made him the second-highest home run hitter on the Pirates roster, trailing only center fielder Oneil Cruz, who hit 20.
Versatility on the Field
Beyond his power numbers, Burleson’s versatility adds to his appeal. Known primarily as a first baseman, he also excels in both corner outfield spots and has experience as a designated hitter. This adaptability gives the Pirates a multitude of options for deploying him in their lineup next season.
With the prospect of acquiring a player of Burleson’s caliber, the Pirates are not merely looking to fill a gap; they are aiming to create a more formidable team capable of competing in the postseason. As trade talks progress, the potential addition of Burleson could signal a turning point for the franchise as it seeks to reclaim its place among baseball’s elite.
