Cardinals Already Facing Pivotal $8.3 Million Offseason Decision

The St. Louis Cardinals face a major offseason salary decision as first baseman Alec Burleson is projected to earn $8.3 million in arbitration for 2027. According to MLB Trade Rumors' projection model published on October 2, Burleson's projected figure leads the club's nine-player arbitration class, which could total near $41 million.

Burleson earned the projected salary increase from $3.3 million in 2026 after posting a .279 batting average with 26 home runs and 116 RBIs across 160 games. The first baseman expressed that he is open to signing a contract extension with the Cardinals, while the team must decide whether to settle, file numbers, or pursue a multi-year deal.