After a gloomy start to the season, the St. Louis Cardinals have begun to string wins together and are steadily regaining ground in the National League Central battle.
Following a three-game sweep of the Baltimore Orioles, the Cardinals have an 8-2 record in their last ten games and are currently five games behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers. During their rise, these two emerging stars have ignited the offence.
Alec Burleson, outfielder
2024 stats: .298/.328/.458, five home runs and 17 RBI in 42 games
Like most of the Cardinals’ offense, Burleson got off to a slow start while fighting for playing time early on in 2024.
After injuries and roster moves, the 25-year-old earned a consistent role in the lineup and is producing. Over his last 15 games, the left-handed slugger is slashing .377/.389/.623 with three home runs, seven RBI and two stolen bases.
Making his MLB debut in 2022, Burleson has struggled to find the power stroke he showed in the minors. After hitting only nine home runs in 123 career games entering the 2024 season, he is three home runs away from his career-high of eight and should easily surpass it during what is adding up to be a career year.
With first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and third baseman Nolan Arenado struggling at the plate, his added thump to the lineup has been much-needed.
He looks like he will be a mainstay in the Cardinals lineup for years to come.
Masyn Winn, shortstop
2024 stats: .295/.348/.432, two home runs, 14 RBI and seven stolen bases in 44 games played.
One of the Cardinals’ top prospects entering the season, the 22-year-old struggled during his first taste of the majors in 2023, slashing .172/.230/.238 with two home runs and 12 RBI in 37 games.
After an offseason of adjustments, the young shortstop is starting to look like the future face of the Cardinals franchise, not only with his spectacular defense but with his bat as well.
Over his last 15 games, he is slashing .321/.339/.528 with two home runs, seven RBI and two stolen bases.
Known for his glove and rocket arm, Winn had a breakout season in the minors last year with 18 home runs and 61 RBI in his first season in Triple-A which earned him his major league debut.
After a slow start this season, the game is finally slowing down for him and he is starting to fulfill his potential in St. Louis.
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