ST. LOUIS — On a glorious evening of Major League Baseball, the name Alec Burleson rang out across the stadium — and immediately, the entire St. Louis Cardinals fan base erupted. The 26-year-old, once considered a “reserve card,” has now officially made history as the 2025 NL Utility Silver Slugger Award winner. But behind that moment of glory, there is a story no one expected…
Just a year ago, Burleson was fighting for a consistent playing position. Now, he has become a symbol of perseverance and improvement — a representative of the “grind” spirit that St. Louis loves. In 147 games in the 2025 season, he posted a .288 average, 25 home runs, 89 RBIs, and an .825 OPS—impressive numbers for a player who changed positions almost every week.
“I never thought I’d have a night like this,” an emotional Burleson said after the awards ceremony. “I just try to contribute every time I’m in the lineup. The Silver Slugger is beyond my wildest dreams.”
The Utility Silver Slugger honors the most complete and versatile offensive player each season, and Burleson won over a field of contenders including Christopher Morel (Cubs), Jeff McNeil (Mets), and Brandon Drury (Angels). It was not only a reward for his accomplishments, but also recognition for his indispensable role in a tumultuous season for the Cardinals.
Head coach Oli Marmol praised his player with pride:
“Burleson is the type of player every team wants — always ready, always professional. He has taken on more than we ever asked of him.”
With this achievement, Burleson became the first Cardinals player since Paul Goldschmidt (2022) to win a Silver Slugger, and the first in team history to win the title in the “Utility” category. It was a sweet and symbolic milestone, as the Cardinals are entering a strong rebuilding phase after two consecutive postseason misses.
MLB experts say this could be a turning point in Alec Burleson’s career — and a signal for the Cardinals’ return to the National League title race. Because while many of their big-name stars have struggled with injuries or declines in form, Burleson has quietly risen to become the brightest light at Busch Stadium.
Tonight, St. Louis isn’t sleeping. After years of waiting, they’ve finally found the spark that once shone in the Yadier Molina and Albert Pujols eras. And as the autumn wind blows through the dome of Busch Stadium, a soft cry rings out from the stands:
“Burly’s back. And so are the Cardinals.”
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