The St. Louis Cardinals made a significant move in the offseason by signing three-time All-Star shortstop Brandon Crawford. This acquisition adds depth and experience to their infield, as Crawford brings a wealth of talent and leadership to the team.
Crawford, known for his defensive prowess and clutch hitting, will undoubtedly bolster the Cardinals' lineup and provide stability up the middle. His ability to make spectacular plays in the field and come through in key moments at the plate will be invaluable to his new team.
Crawford, 37, must pass a physical at the team’s Florida headquarters on Tuesday before the deal becomes official. The club has yet to confirm the transaction.
The Cardinals likely will use Crawford as a backup shortstop behind presumptive starter Masyn Winn, a 21-year-old top prospect, who finished the 2023 MLB season in St. Louis.
Crawford, who spent all 13 years of his MLB career with the Giants, hinted at a desire to play in 2024. His agent confirmed to The San Francisco Chronicle's John Shea in November that the 37-year-old was open to continuing his career.
A native of Pleasanton, Crawford grew up rooting for the Giants and made his debut with the team in the 2011 season. During 13 seasons with San Francisco, Crawford won two World Series championships (2012 and 2014), was a three-time All Star and a four-time Gold Glove Award winner.
Last season, Crawford was the longest tenured Giant on the roster and the last player remaining from its championship era. In 94 games, Crawford hit just .194 and hit seven homers during the 2023 season.
The Athletic reported that the deal is pending a physical. Terms of the deal were not immediately known.
Up 15 pounds in hopes of being strong enough to better handle MLB pitching, Winn authored an impressive Grapefruit League debut on Sunday. He went 3-for-3 with a double and two hard-hit singles while also contributing a stolen base and the defensive gem of the day in the Cards’ 3-0 defeat of the Astros. Winn, who missed two days of work last week with back tightness, is hoping to use this spring to answer any questions about his readiness to be the Cardinals everyday starting shortstop.
“Really, I’m just going out there and playing baseball,” Winn said. “I’m just trying to go out there and have a good time, catch a few barrels, make a few plays and give the fans something that they want to see.”
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