As a team, the Cardinals didn't have the most robust offensive production in 2025, finishing 19th among MLB teams in runs scores, 24th in OPS and 29th in home runs.
But individually, St. Louis had a couple of standouts who were recognized Wednesday with the announcement of the Silver Slugger finalists in the National League.
Alec Burleson and Brendan Donovan were both named Silver Slugger finalists—and the Redbird teammates are competing against one another for the same piece of hardware, as both landed among the three finalists for the award in the utility category.
Jake Cronenworth was named the third finalist at that position group for the award, which is voted upon by MLB managers and coaches.
Of the three candidates, Burleson seems to have an edge in virtually every statistical category. Burly led the trio in batting average (.290), slugging percentage (.459), OPS (.801), OPS+ (125), home runs (18) and RBIs (69).
Although it's not a defensive award, there's no questioning Burleson's qualification as a utility candidate, either, as he logged 261 or more innings at three different defensive positions (LF, RF and 1B).
Brenden Schaeffer and Joe Roderick discussed the race on Wednesday's episode of Cards Central 365, while also delving into whether or not there were any Cardinals snubbed from consideration for a Silver Slugger based on how the voting came out.