The St. Louis Cardinals have finalized their Opening Day roster, and the infield configuration was apparent from the start of Spring Training. JJ Wetherholt is stepping in as the second baseman, allowing Alec Burleson to take first and Nolan Gorman to return to his natural position at third.
Gorman and Burleson Ready to Shine in 2026
The main debate was Wetherholt's position, but with him settled at second, Gorman can focus on a crucial season without interruptions. At 26, Gorman's journey through the majors has been a rollercoaster of position changes, injuries, and fluctuating roles. Now, with Nolan Arenado's departure and a clear path ahead, Gorman has the chance to solidify his future with the Cardinals.
Opening Day saw Burleson steal the spotlight with a decisive two-run homer, while Gorman ignited a thrilling sixth-inning rally. These left-handed bats are poised to lead the Cardinals' offense this season.
Burleson and Gorman: Key Players to Watch
Burleson, transitioning from the outfield to first base, replaces Willson Contreras. Though he might still see occasional outfield action, the plan is for him to become a reliable presence at first. Despite not fitting the traditional power profile for the position, Burleson has demonstrated steady improvement, and at 27, he’s primed for a breakout year.
With a career-high of 21 homers, Burleson has room to grow. His consistent development led to a high pick in the fWAR draft, and while FanGraphs projects a 2.1 fWAR, expectations are higher. If he can stay healthy, Burleson might exceed those projections, potentially nearing a 3.0 fWAR.
The Cardinals' Offensive Potential
Together, Burleson and Gorman are expected to be the driving force in the lineup, with Ivan Herrera strategically placed between them. Should Herrera's catching duties falter, a shift to first base might be in the cards, though likely not until next offseason.
Supporting the duo are utility players Ramon Urias and Yohel Pozo, with Thomas Saggese and Jose Fermin available for starts at third. With minimal competition from the minors, Burleson and Gorman have a clear path to become pivotal figures if the Cardinals exceed expectations this year.