Amid uncertainty about Tommy Edman's availability for Opening Day due to right wrist surgery in the offseason, the Arizona Cardinals have secured experienced shortstop Brandon Crawford as a backup to emerging rookie, Masyn Winn.
Cardinals Win Contract
The deal with Crawford, 37, is pending confirmation, pending a physical at the team's Florida headquarters on Tuesday.
Notably, Crawford spent his entire 13-year career with the San Francisco Giants, accumulating accolades as a three-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner in 2015.
Despite having a career batting average of .250, 2023 proved challenging for Crawford, with a .194 batting average and .273 on-base percentage in a season of only 93 games, shortened by injuries.
However, the shortstop proved his prowess in 2021, batting .298 with 24 home runs and 90 RBIs, earning him an All-Star berth and his fourth Gold Glove, while finishing fourth in the voting for NL MVP. National League.
This move follows the recent signings of middlemen Tim Anderson, Nick Ahmed, Amed Rosario, Enrique Hernandez and Gio Urshela elsewhere.
Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol acknowledged Monday that Edman is still weeks away from facing live pitching.
Edman, projected as the starting center fielder and Winn's backup at shortstop, underwent wrist surgery in October.
Until Monday, Edman was limited to hitting off a tee and taking soft tosses from trainers, hoping to make progress before live at-bats.
The Cardinals anticipate Edman will be ready for games after going through these phases, focusing on his recovery from lingering wrist problems that carried over from two seasons.
We have signed SS Brandon Crawford to a one-year contract for the 2024 season.
Crawford, a three-time All-Star, played the past 13 seasons with the San Francisco Giants, where he won four Rawlings Gold Glove Awards, one Silver Slugger Award and two World Series titles.... pic.twitter.com/7zz1j5Hvp5
- St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) February 27, 2024
The Cardinals' Strategy
Adding complexities for the Cardinals is the return of former Gold Glove winner Brendan Donovan after ligament repair surgery on his right elbow.
Despite receiving full medical clearance, the Cardinals have taken a cautious approach in training camp, deliberately limiting Donovan's pitches.
In 2022, Donovan showcased his defensive prowess at shortstop, one of six positions he played, earning him the title of being the first rookie in team history to win a Gold Glove.
However, the lingering impact of his previous arm injury appears to have ruled out the shortstop position for him.
Cardinals manager Marmol expressed the ongoing discussion about identifying reliable depth at shortstop, emphasizing the need to explore options, whether for sporadic situations or extended periods.
He recognized the next few weeks as an opportunity to evaluate possible solutions.
Masyn Winn, the 21-year-old standout and the Cardinals' top-ranked prospect according to league sources, made his major league debut in August of the previous year.
Despite showing impressive defensive skills, Winn faced challenges at the plate, batting just .172 with a .230 on-base percentage in 37 games.
This spring, having added 15 pounds to improve his strength against major league pitchers, Winn showed off his skills in his Grapefruit League debut.
A 3-for-3 performance with a double and two well-connected singles, he also contributed a stolen base and a defensive highlight in the Cardinals' 3-0 win over the Houston Astros.
Despite a brief setback with back discomfort last week, Winn aims to use this spring to dispel any doubts about his readiness to assume the Cardinals' everyday starting shortstop role.
