The St. Louis Cardinals are signing three-time All-Star shortstop Brandon Crawford.
“We’re excited to be adding a player with the winning credentials and pedigree of a Brandon Crawford,” stated Cardinals’ President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak. “He is someone that will provide us with valuable depth and experience on the infield, and can also be a great resource for our younger players, such as Masyn Winn.”
Katie Woo on Twitter: “The St. Louis Cardinals are signing Brandon Crawford, sources tell The Athletic. The move brings needed veteran shortstop depth behind Masyn Winn, with Tommy Edman’s status for Opening Day unclear. News here, more to come: https://t.co/gt0tBtsy3s / Twitter”
The St. Louis Cardinals are signing Brandon Crawford, sources tell The Athletic. The move brings needed veteran shortstop depth behind Masyn Winn, with Tommy Edman’s status for Opening Day unclear. News here, more to come: https://t.co/gt0tBtsy3s
Crawford has spent his entire career (2011-2023) with the San Francisco Giants, they signed Nick Ahmed, closing the door on bringing Crawford back. He had considered retiring.
He was an All-Star in 2015, 2018, and 2021. A two-time World Series Champion in 2012 and 2014. Won the Silver Slugger in 2015 and Gold Gloves in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2021.
Kevin Wheeler on Twitter: “Major League deal…I’m good with this addition. Keep in mind, good hitting shortstops tend to not be bench players. LOL. Crawford’s bat has slipped but his glove has remained strong. Good backup plan in case of injury, etc. https://t.co/FlMaCFRzvh / Twitter”
Major League deal…I’m good with this addition. Keep in mind, good hitting shortstops tend to not be bench players. LOL. Crawford’s bat has slipped but his glove has remained strong. Good backup plan in case of injury, etc. https://t.co/FlMaCFRzvh
Kevin Wheeler on Twitter: “Side benefits include allowing Edman to focus entirely on CF moving forward and the obvious day-to-day influence a veteran with his track record can have on a rookie starter at SS.To repeat from earlier, I don’t see this as an “impact move” but it does cover an area of concern. / Twitter”
Side benefits include allowing Edman to focus entirely on CF moving forward and the obvious day-to-day influence a veteran with his track record can have on a rookie starter at SS.To repeat from earlier, I don’t see this as an “impact move” but it does cover an area of concern.
The northern California native has compiled a .250/.319/.396 slash line with 146 home runs and 744 RBI in his 1,655 games played. He is just two seasons removed from an MVP caliber campaign in 2021 when he batted .298 with a career-high 24 home runs and 90 RBI – finishing 4th in National League MVP voting.
The left-handed hitting Crawford has appeared in 43 career postseason games, including the 2012 and 2014 World Series when the Giants were crowned champions.
Crawford has made 12-consecutive Opening Day starts for the Giants at shortstop (2012-2023), and he ranks 5th all-time in their franchise history for games played (1,655) – the most among active MLB shortstops. His 480 career extra base hits rank 4th among San Francisco-era Giants, and he holds the Oracle Park record for career triples with 28.
Despite playing in his fewest (94) full-season games last season, since his rookie season of 2011, Crawford’s 43.0 pct. Statcast hard-hit rate was the 2nd-best of his career, trailing only his 43.3 mark in 2021. The 6-1, 220-pound Crawford batted .329 (23-for-70) with runners in scoring position last season, driving in 33 of his 38 runs.
Crawford, who was selected by the Giants in the 4th round of the 2008 MLB draft out of UCLA, was teammates with both Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt on the Gold Medal winning Team USA in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
The Cardinals designated infielder Buddy Kennedy for assignment to make room for Crawford on their 40-player roster.
Mick Lite served for 12 years in the military and is now an entrepreneur and photographer. Has worked as the official scorer and social media manager for the River City Rascals, Statistician for the Missouri Monsters and St. Louis Attack arena football teams, and as the Team Photographer and social media consultant for the St. Charles Chill, SLU Hockey, St. Louis Slam, and Gateway Grizzlies.
