St. Louis, Missouri – The St. Louis Cardinals have made a significant move by signing three-time All-Star Brandon Crawford, in a bid to bolster their infield depth. At 37 years old, Crawford is expected to provide support at shortstop for rookie Masyn Winn while the team navigates uncertainties surrounding Tommy Edman’s recovery from wrist surgery. The deal is contingent on Crawford passing a physical examination.
The Cardinals found themselves in need of a backup shortstop after Edman, who was set to play a key role in the upcoming season, underwent wrist surgery last October. Edman’s inability to swing a bat yet has left a gap in the roster, prompting the Cardinals to explore options in the market. Crawford, who spent 13 seasons with the San Francisco Giants, brings experience and a solid track record to the Cardinals.
In recent days, the reserve infielder market has seen movement, with notable signings like Tim Anderson with the Miami Marlins and Amed Rosario with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Cardinals moved swiftly to secure Crawford to avoid being left without the necessary shortstop depth. While Winn remains the likely starter at shortstop, having a seasoned veteran like Crawford in the mix provides stability and support.
As Edman continues his recovery process, the team closely monitors his progress, particularly in his hitting program. Manager Oli Marmol noted that Edman’s left swing has shown more advancement compared to his right swing, highlighting the need to balance both sides before moving forward. The team takes a day-by-day approach in managing Edman’s recovery, ensuring his wrist is in optimal condition before progressing to the next phase of his rehabilitation.
The addition of Crawford not only addresses the Cardinals’ immediate infield needs but also adds depth and experience to the team’s roster. With uncertainties surrounding Edman’s timeline for return, having Crawford’s expertise provides reassurance to the team and fans alike. The Cardinals aim to strike a balance between developing young talent like Winn and relying on proven veterans like Crawford to maintain competitiveness throughout the season.