The St. Louis Cardinals are coming off another successful season which saw them reach October.
The team looks good heading into 2023, but there are still some issues that need to be fixed.
One such issue is the competition in the team’s outfield.
As of now, it appears that Tyler O’Neill, Dylan Carlson, and Lars Nootbaar will claim the starting spots.
But top prospect Jordan Walker is knocking on the door, and slugger Juan Yepez can’t be ignored.
The Cardinals also have a talented young prospect in Alec Burleson.
However, Burleson might be the odd man out.
One Cardinals fan suggested that the team should trade him to give him an opportunity to play every day with another team, while simultaneously adding some pitching.
The Cardinals OF should be some combination of O'Neill/Noot/ Carlson/Walker with the DH spot reserved for Gorman/Yepez. I like Burleson but it doesn't really make much sense to keep him on the bench all year. I'd trade him now for pitching while his value is high #stlcards
— Rinedog (@Rinedog1) January 16, 2023
The Cardinals like Burleson’s power and his potential, but this fan may be onto something.
With Walker on the way and four other outfielders on the roster, it may not make sense to hold onto Burleson if he isn’t going to get any opportunities.
Thus, he could be used as a trade chip for the team as they look to address the pitching situation.
The Miami Marlins are currently taking calls for right-hander Pablo Lopez.
The Cardinals and Marlins have had preliminary discussions about a potential deal.
Burleson could end up being a part of that.
He’d have less competition in Miami, and the Cardinals would have another starting pitcher, which is a need given that only Steven Matz is under contract for the 2024 season.
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