Cardinals Take a Flyer on Longtime Giants Shortstop

Brandon Crawford Signed by Cardinals

Cardinals shortstop Tommy Edman is still recovering from wrist surgery and his status for Opening Day appears doubtful. Therefore, this looks to be a depth signing for the Giants. Crawford will likely back up Masyn Winn at short if Edman is not ready to go.

The 37-year-old brings a wealth of experience to a Cardinals roster filled with younger players, although it also has its fair share of veterans. Crawford has always been a terrific defender, winning four Gold Gloves in his time with the Giants. He also brings a championship pedigree to St. Louis. Despite being one year late for the Giants’ first title in the Bay Area in 2010, he was a member of the 2012 and 2014 World Series-winning teams.

Crawford’s numbers at the plate have declined the last two seasons after an incredible 2021. That year, he finished fourth in NL MVP voting, hitting .298 with a career-high 24 homers and driving in 90 runs, helping the Giants to a franchise record 107 regular season wins. Since then, however, he has driven in only 90 combined runs over two seasons, posting averages of .231 and .194 and hitting 16 total homers. With Crawford’s free agency approaching, it became a foregone conclusion that his Giants career would end. With few teams biting, Crawford had contemplated retirement, but he now gets a chance to contribute for the Cards. He may not get enough reps to regain his 2021 form, but any pop at the plate he provides to go along with his defense at short will be a bonus.