Cardinals’ Alec Burleson explains why he didn’t want to be traded before deadline

Even if the St. Louis Cardinals (66-63) do not grab the final National League Wild Card slot this season, their future looks quite bright. But the skies above Busch Stadium would probably be much dimmer if the organization had shipped out Alec Burleson ahead of the MLB trade deadline. The star first baseman is proud of what he has helped the franchise accomplish in 2026, and he does not want to miss out on the next phase of this Redbirds rebirth.

“Obviously, we’re building toward something that is gonna look really good in the next couple years, and I would like to think I’ve been a small part of that,” Burleson told the “Foul Territory” podcast on Friday. “On the off chance {that I was traded at the deadline}, it would have kind of hurt a little bit. Just to leave that, and leave what little bit I’ve contributed to what it’s gonna look like in the next few years.”

The Cardinals dealt outfielder Lars Nootbaar, right-handed starting pitcher Dustin May and left-handed reliever JoJo Romero, but they opted to keep Burleson. It is easy to see why.

"On the off chance that I was traded at the deadline, it would've hurt."@AlecBurleson9 wants to see it through with the Cardinals. pic.twitter.com/xURZs2Quop

— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) August 21, 2026

The 2025 Silver Slugger Award winner is a complete hitter and does not reach the open market until after the 2028 campaign. In the midst of a stellar August, he is batting .288 with 21 homers, 93 RBIs, a .355 on-base percentage, .489 slugging percentage, .844 OPS and MLB-leading 33 doubles this season. Alec Burleson is a beloved franchise building block whom fans want to see in a Cardinals uniform for many years to come. He reciprocates their adulation.

“I love St. Louis, the fans, the staff and the players… it’s very comfortable, feels like home,” the North Carolina native said. “I’m not sure what it’s gonna look like in the next few years, but I would definitely like to be around for it and contribute to a lot of winning baseball in St. Louis.”

Fresh off their most bonkers win of the season, Burleson and the Cards will begin a crucial road series versus the Philadelphia Phillies (70-58) on Friday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET.

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