Reds' Burleson embraces elder statesman role

27-year-old first baseman steps up as veteran leader in Cincinnati

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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First baseman Alec Burleson, who joined the Cincinnati Reds in 2022, has found himself in an unexpected leadership role at just 27 years old after watching some of the veteran players he learned from leave the organization. Burleson is embracing the challenge of being a vocal leader and passing on the lessons he learned from past mentors like Paul Goldschmidt and Craig Wilson.

Why it matters

Burleson's willingness to take on a leadership role at a young age is a positive sign for the Reds as they look to build around their emerging star. His ability to step up and guide the team's younger players could be crucial to the team's success in the coming seasons.

The details

After a breakout 2025 season in which he earned a Silver Slugger Award, Burleson finds himself as one of the most experienced players on the Reds' roster. He is looking to pass on the lessons he learned from veteran leaders like Goldschmidt and Wilson, who taught him what it means to be a true professional and everyday big leaguer.

  • Burleson joined the Reds in 2022.
  • Burleson is entering his 5th MLB season in 2026.

The players

Alec Burleson

A 27-year-old first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds who is embracing an unexpected leadership role on the team.

Paul Goldschmidt

A veteran first baseman who Burleson learned from during his time with the Reds.

Craig Wilson

Another veteran first baseman who Burleson looked up to and learned from during his time with the Reds.

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What they’re saying

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

— Alec Burleson, Reds First Baseman (MLB Network)

“Yeah, you know, you talk about Paul Goldschmidt, who was here, and, you know, Wilson, who was at first base. Those two guys stick out just because they were first base. I backed them up a little bit. And, you know, Goldie did it how he played. You know, he got his work in. He was very diligent with that stuff. And learned a lot from him just at first base, and how he, you know, went about his day and what it looks like to be an everyday big leaguer. And then Wilson, love that guy to death, and he played with fire and learned a lot from him as well. And then, you know, you've got other guys that I didn't mention. But, yeah, I've been around a lot of veteran leaders, and, you know, took a lot from them. So I'm looking to pass that on.”

— Alec Burleson, Reds First Baseman (MLB Network)

What’s next

Burleson will look to continue his strong play on the field and pass on his leadership lessons to the Reds' younger players as they prepare for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Burleson's willingness to embrace an unexpected leadership role at a young age shows his maturity and commitment to helping the Reds succeed. His example could inspire the team's younger players and set the tone for a positive clubhouse culture in Cincinnati.