How Alec Burleson embraces the role of elder statesman in Cincinnati

First base Alec Burleson has only been a member of the St. Louis Cardinals since 2022and yet, after watching some of the the veterans he grew up learning from are leaving the organizationThe 27-year-old is suddenly becoming the elder statesman of baseball in Cincinnati.

Discussing this unlikely development so early in his career with MLB Network, Burleson noted that while it may be strange, he ready to accept the challenge and help your team win.

“Yeah, yeah, it’s weird. Being 27, like you said, people ask me questions about certain things. But, yeah, it’s something I have to accept,” Burleson said. “I kind of have to step into that role and be, you know, not just lead by example on the field, but be a vocal leader. So, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone a little bit, but, you know, it’s something that, like I said, I have to embrace. And somebody’s got to do it, so why not?”

Asked what he learned from Craig Wilson and Paul Goldschmidt during their time together in Cincinnati, Burleson noted that their contributions helped define what it means to be a great player in his eyes.

“Yeah, you know, you talk about Paul Goldschmidt, who was here, and, you know, Wilson, who was at first base. Those two guys stand out just because they were first base. I backed them up a little bit. And, you know, Goldie did it the way he played. You know, he got his job,” Burleson said.

“He was very valuable with that stuff. And he learned a lot from him just at first base, and how, you know, he went about his day and what it’s like to be an everyday big leaguer. And then Wilson, he loved that guy to death, and he played with fire and learned a lot from him. And then, you know, you have other guys that I wasn’t a veteran for, but I wasn’t one of the veterans. And, you know, I took a lot from them, so I want to pass that on.”

Coming off the best season of his career to date, winning the Silver Slugger Award after hitting 18 home runs and 69 RBI on a .290/.343/.459 line, Burleson has established himself as one of the faces of the Reds in 2026. While he may only be 27 years old, his willingness to take on a leadership role can only mean good things for Cincinnati’s regular season.

After receiving his first Silver Slugger Award, Alec Burleson joins @RoFlo to talk about his role as a veteran, playing more first base and more.

30 clubs, 30 camps | @Cardinals pic.tvitter.com/KpnCT42rJe

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 28, 2026