The St. Louis Cardinals have added a veteran presence to their infield by signing free-agent shortstop Brandon Crawford to a one-year deal, pending a physical. Crawford, who spent his entire 13-year career with the San Francisco Giants, is a four-time Gold Glove winner, a three-time All-Star, and a two-time World Series champion.
Crawford’s legacy with the Giants
Crawford was drafted by the Giants in the fourth round of the 2008 MLB draft and made his debut in 2011. He quickly established himself as one of the best defensive shortstops in the game, winning his first Gold Glove in 2015. He also showed his offensive prowess, hitting 21 home runs and driving in 84 runs that year, earning his first All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger award.
Crawford was a key member of the Giants’ dynasty that won three World Series titles in five years (2010, 2012, and 2014). He hit a grand slam in his first postseason at-bat in the 2014 NL wild-card game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, becoming the first shortstop in MLB history to do so. He also hit a go-ahead three-run homer in Game 4 of the 2012 NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals, helping the Giants overcome a 3-1 series deficit.
Crawford had his best season in 2021, when he batted .298 with 24 homers and 90 RBIs, leading the Giants to a franchise-record 107 wins and the NL West title. He finished fourth in the NL MVP voting and won his fourth Gold Glove. He also became the Giants’ all-time leader in games played at shortstop, surpassing Hall of Famer Travis Jackson.
Crawford’s role with the Cardinals
Crawford, who turns 38 in January, will join a Cardinals team that won 90 games and the NL wild-card spot in 2023, but lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the one-game playoff. He will provide depth and experience at shortstop, where the Cardinals have a promising prospect in Masyn Winn, who is ranked as the No. 2 prospect in the organization by MLB Pipeline.
Winn, 21, was drafted by the Cardinals in the second round of the 2020 MLB draft and made his major league debut in 2023, hitting .250 with two homers and seven RBIs in 24 games. He also played second base and center field, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. He is expected to be the Cardinals’ starting shortstop in 2024, but Crawford will be a valuable mentor and backup for him.
Crawford will also reunite with his former Giants teammate, Nolan Arenado, who was traded to the Cardinals before the 2021 season. Arenado, an eight-time Gold Glove winner and five-time All-Star, is one of the best third basemen in the game and forms a formidable duo with Paul Goldschmidt at first base. Crawford and Arenado were part of the Giants’ infield that won the 2021 NL West title, edging out the Dodgers by one game.
Crawford’s farewell to the Giants
Crawford, who grew up in the Bay Area and was a Giants fan as a kid, posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram account on Monday, thanking the Giants organization, his teammates, and the fans for their support over the years. He also expressed his excitement for joining the Cardinals, saying that he is looking forward to playing for a “storied franchise” and a “great baseball city”.
Crawford’s departure marks the end of an era for the Giants, who have also parted ways with other longtime players such as Buster Posey, who retired after the 2023 season, and Brandon Belt, who became a free agent. Crawford, Posey, and Belt were the last remaining players from the Giants’ World Series teams, and were beloved by the fans for their contributions and leadership.
Crawford will always be remembered as one of the greatest shortstops in Giants history, and one of the most clutch performers in the postseason. He will also be missed by his teammates, who praised him for his professionalism, work ethic, and personality. Crawford said that he will always cherish his memories with the Giants, and that he hopes to see them again in the playoffs.
