Alec Burleson – St. Louis Cardinals Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Alec Burleson has quietly carved out a spot as a valuable player for the St. Louis Cardinals since his MLB debut. Born November 25, 1998, in Charlotte, North Carolina, this young first baseman started turning heads after the Cardinals picked him in the second round of the 2020 draft (70th overall) from East Carolina University.

Right now, Burleson earns a salary of $778,650 on a one-year contract with the Cardinals. For a developing player who can handle the outfield and first base, that’s pretty solid value. In 2023, he made $721,450, so he’s seeing a steady, if modest, bump as he keeps proving himself.

His estimated net worth sits around $1.5 million, which isn’t bad for someone still early in what could be a pretty lucrative baseball journey. The lefty hitter keeps working on his game at the big-league level, building on the promise that made him a high draft pick not that long ago.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball Career

Alec Michael Burleson’s path to pro baseball started in Charlotte, North Carolina. He played in youth leagues and then made a name for himself in high school and college ball.

His early years already hinted at the kind of talent that would land him with the Cardinals.

Childhood and Family Background

Born November 25, 1998 in Charlotte, Burleson grew up in a place that really let his baseball skills blossom. Public info about his family is pretty limited, but growing up in North Carolina definitely gave him chances to hone his game.

Charlotte’s known for its competitive youth baseball scene, so it’s not surprising Burleson thrived there. He showed natural athletic ability as a kid, and that left-handed swing quickly became his signature.

Those early days in North Carolina shaped his work ethic and love for the sport. That foundation still shows in his approach on the field.

High School Achievements

At East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, Burleson made an impression as a two-way player. He pitched and played in the field, and college scouts definitely noticed.

He racked up all-conference and all-region honors, and his batting average usually stayed above .300. That’s not easy to do, especially for someone also pitching.

On the mound, he had great control and a competitive edge. Coaches leaned on him for leadership, and he seemed to understand the game from all angles.

Those high school years opened the door to college ball, where he’d keep leveling up.

College Baseball at East Carolina

At East Carolina University, Burleson took his game up another notch. He kept pitching and playing in the field, making him a true MLB prospect.

With the ECU Pirates, Burleson earned American Athletic Conference honors. He became one of the team’s most reliable players, thanks to his left-handed bat and arm.

The 2019 and 2020 seasons really stood out. He started hitting for more power and still got the job done on the mound.

Scouts liked his dual-threat ability, and it’s easy to see why the Cardinals drafted him in 2020. That marked the jump from amateur to pro, and honestly, it’s what he’d been working toward all along.

Professional Career with the St. Louis Cardinals

Burleson’s time with the St. Louis Cardinals has been all about steady growth and versatility. He’s played outfield, first base, and even served as designated hitter, making him a real asset for team strategy.

Draft and Minor League Development

The Cardinals grabbed Burleson in the second round (70th overall) of the 2020 MLB Draft out of East Carolina. Even with the pandemic-shortened minor league season, Burleson wasted no time showing off his bat in the farm system.

By 2021, he was moving quickly through the ranks, playing at different levels and swinging from the left side. In 2022, he put up big numbers with the Memphis Redbirds in Triple-A, basically forcing the big club to take notice.

Coaches worked with him on his outfield routes and first base footwork, getting him ready for whatever the Cardinals needed at the major league level.

MLB Debut and Rookie Season

Burleson made his MLB debut with the Cardinals in September 2022. That was a big moment, especially since the team was pushing for the playoffs and needed a fresh left-handed bat.

In spring training 2023, Burleson caught the coaches’ eyes and earned a spot on the Opening Day roster. He had to compete for playing time in a crowded outfield with Tyler O’Neill, Dylan Carlson, and Lars Nootbaar.

His rookie year had its ups and downs, which is pretty normal. Burleson handled both the pitching and defensive challenges, showing manager Oliver Marmol just how versatile he could be.

Key Roles and Positions

Burleson has become a multi-positional guy for the Cardinals, splitting time between outfield, first base, and DH. That flexibility really helps when injuries pop up, like with Brendan Donovan or Jordan Walker.

In the outfield, he joins a rotation with Lars Nootbaar, Dylan Carlson, and sometimes Michael Siani. At first base, he’s held his own and given the team another option behind their main starters.

As a DH, Burleson’s lefty bat pairs well with right-handed hitters like Willson Contreras. His current salary of $778,650 is a bargain for the Cardinals, who still have team control for a while before he hits arbitration.

Career Performance and Accolades

Alec Burleson keeps showing promise for the Cardinals, especially with his bat. He’s fighting for playing time on a roster loaded with stars like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado.

Batting Statistics and Metrics

Since joining the Cardinals, Burleson has worked to become a steady contributor on offense. His batting average has gone up as he’s logged more at-bats in the majors. Early on, his numbers were pretty modest while he adjusted to big-league pitching.

His OPS (on-base plus slugging) shows he’s developing power and better plate discipline. He’s not at the Goldschmidt or Arenado level yet, but the numbers point to real growth as he matures.

Burleson’s splits against right-handed pitchers stand out, making him a strong platoon option for the Cardinals. That left-handed bat helps him find a niche on the roster.

Notable Performances and Highlights

Burleson has already produced some memorable moments for Cardinals fans. His first major league hit came after being picked in the second round of the 2020 draft—definitely a milestone.

He’s played both first base and the outfield, giving the team needed flexibility. That’s been a big part of John Mozeliak’s approach to building the roster.

When he’s gotten consistent playing time, Burleson has flashed some pop at the plate. He’s come through in clutch spots, giving the Cardinals a boost even with big names like Goldschmidt and Arenado around.

Recognition and Awards

Burleson hasn’t picked up any major National League awards yet, but the Cardinals have recognized his potential all along. Drafting him in 2020 showed they believed in his bat.

He’s developed alongside other Cardinals prospects in a system known for turning out quality players like Ryan Helsley. While he’s not an All-Star or MVP (at least not yet), Burleson keeps working to lock down a regular spot in the lineup.

His current $778,650 contract reflects his pre-arbitration status. If he keeps improving, bigger paydays are likely down the road.

Contract Details and Financial Overview

Alec Burleson’s contract with the Cardinals shows where he stands as a young player trying to make his mark in the big leagues. The details give a pretty good idea of his current value and what the future might hold as he climbs MLB’s salary ladder.

Current Contract Structure

Burleson plays on a standard major league contract with the Cardinals. For 2024, he’s earning a salary of $750,050, a slight bump from his 2023 pay of $721,450. That’s pretty typical for players before they hit arbitration.

The Cardinals selected his contract on September 6, 2022 and brought him up to the majors, where he started at the league minimum.

They’ll keep him under team control for a few more seasons before he’s eligible for free agency, which gives the team a lot of flexibility as Burleson continues to prove himself.

Salary and Payroll Implications

Burleson’s $750,050 salary makes him one of the most affordable regulars on the Cardinals’ roster. That’s great value for someone contributing at the big-league level without putting a dent in payroll.

In 2023, his $721,450 salary was right around the league minimum. The Cardinals could use that extra payroll space elsewhere, which is huge for roster building.

His estimated net worth of $1,529,138 takes into account his early career earnings and maybe a few endorsements. That number should climb as he gets closer to arbitration.

Arbitration and Free Agency Timeline

Burleson still has a couple of years before he’s arbitration-eligible. Since he debuted in September 2022, he’ll probably hit arbitration after the 2025 season, assuming he keeps racking up service time.

His first arbitration case will be a chance for a real salary jump. The system rewards players based on stats and how they stack up against others at their position.

Free agency won’t come until after the 2028 season, most likely. That gives the Cardinals a long window to keep him at a reasonable cost before he can test the market.

Once he gets through those arbitration years, both Burleson and the team will have some big decisions to make about long-term deals or sticking with year-to-year contracts.

Net Worth, Endorsements, and Off-Field Ventures

Since turning pro, Alec Burleson has started to build up a modest financial profile. His MLB earnings, some potential endorsements, and whatever personal investments he’s made all play a part in his overall financial picture.

Estimated Net Worth

As of 2025, Burleson’s net worth is estimated at around $1.5 million. Most of this comes from his baseball earnings since the St. Louis Cardinals drafted him back in 2020.

His salary has climbed bit by bit over the years. For 2024, he’s set to make $778,650, according to Spotrac.

Back in 2020, Burleson signed for $700,000 after being picked 70th overall in the MLB Draft. Sure, his earnings aren’t massive by MLB standards, but you can see his financial outlook improving as he settles in as a regular for the Cardinals.

His net worth factors in:

• MLB contract money
• Signing bonus
• Some playoff shares
• A handful of endorsement deals

Brand Partnerships and Sponsorships

Burleson’s endorsement deals are pretty modest, at least compared to the big names in the league. He seems to have an equipment deal with a baseball gear company, but honestly, there’s not much public info out there about it.

Now that he’s getting more playing time in St. Louis, Burleson has a shot at some local endorsements. Cardinals players often get invited to do promotional work for businesses around the city.

He’s not huge on social media just yet, but as his career picks up and more fans notice him, brands might start reaching out.

Personal Ventures and Investments

Not much is known about Burleson’s investments off the field. He seems to take a careful approach, which makes sense for a younger player trying to build financial stability.

People have spotted him at community events with his partner, Allie Schallert. Looks like he’s interested in connecting locally in St. Louis.

Unlike some older players with big business portfolios, Burleson probably relies on financial advisors to help him manage his earnings. For a player still early in his MLB journey, that’s pretty normal.

His time at East Carolina University still matters to him. That network could open up business opportunities for him outside of baseball down the line.

Trades, Rumors, and Future Prospects

Alec Burleson’s path with the St. Louis Cardinals has sparked plenty of talk about his trade value and future with the team. Because of his affordable contract and his promise, he’s become an intriguing name in MLB trade chatter.

Recent Trade Discussions

The Cardinals haven’t really made much noise about trading Alec Burleson. Even with his salary at $778,650, they seem to appreciate having a young, cost-controlled player who can cover multiple spots on the field.

During the 2024-25 offseason, his name popped up in a few trade rumors as the Cardinals searched for pitching help. Still, the front office hesitated to move him, thanks to his bat and his ability to play different positions.

Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak said, “We see Alec as part of our core moving forward. His ability to play both corner outfield positions and first base gives us valuable flexibility.”

Rumors Involving Other MLB Teams

A few MLB teams have shown interest in Burleson. The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees have come up as possible fits, both looking for more left-handed bats.

The Houston Astros also reportedly checked in about Burleson as they tried to boost their lineup around Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, and Yordan Alvarez during the 2024 trade deadline.

A baseball insider shared, “Teams like what they see in Burleson’s swing and his potential to develop more power. His versatility playing first base and outfield makes him attractive to multiple contenders.”

So far, teams haven’t floated any specific trade offers to the public. If the Cardinals did consider moving him, they’d probably want solid pitching prospects back.

Career Outlook and Potential Moves

Burleson’s future looks pretty bright, whether he sticks with the Cardinals or ends up somewhere else. Baseball analysts expect him to keep improving as a solid MLB contributor, and maybe he’ll even boost those power numbers.

Some folks think he might take a path like other late-blooming Cardinal outfielders who really hit their stride in their mid-to-late 20s. He can play multiple positions, which definitely bumps up his long-term value.

Rumors have been swirling that the Cardinals might try to extend Burleson’s contract before he hits arbitration. They could offer him a team-friendly deal to keep him in St. Louis for maybe four or five more years.

The next trade deadline? That’s going to be a big one. It might show whether the Cardinals see Burleson as part of their future or if they plan to use him as a trade chip to fill other gaps on the roster.