Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford throws the ball during warmups before a game against the Dodgers on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in San Francisco. The Cardinals signed Crawford to a contract on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
John Hefti, Associated Press
JUPITER, Fla. — When the Cardinals reviewed some of the things they had prioritized this spring to get them out of last year's quagmire — solid and consistent defense, starting Masyn Winn at shortstop and adding winning experience to the clubhouse — they spotted one Area that was missing from the camp list and affected all three.
They saw a possible solution.
The question was whether he wanted to be the answer.
“I’ve always liked the Cardinals’ organization all over the field,” said All-Star shortstop Brandon Crawford. “They are one of the few teams I would come to spring training for here in Florida.”
A California native, Crawford played college ball at UCLA and professional ball for San Francisco. For the first time in his career, he's on a new team and in a new state for spring training. Crawford arrived in Jupiter on Tuesday, put on a red Cardinals shirt and had to take a look in the mirror.
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His journey was enlightening. The 37-year-old Crawford has come a long way in a short amount of time to become the Cardinals' backup shortstop and help them solidify several areas of their roster. Crawford's addition allows Tommy Edman to focus on center field, gives the Cardinals a reliable glove to back up Winn and adds another player to the clubhouse familiar with October victories – although some of his once came at their expense.
Crawford, who led the Cardinals twice in the National League Championship Series and won the World Series, passed his physical and signed a one-year contract on Tuesday. According to sources, he will earn $2 million, and notably, the deal does not include any bonuses he can earn through playing time.
The Cardinals emphasized that Crawford helps the roster but doesn't change the lineup.
“So we had been thinking about it to make sure we had some depth there,” said John Mozeliak, president of baseball operations. “But even if he brings in someone with his resume and his accomplishments, we believe he will be a great resource for Masyn as he moves forward. “But let's be clear: That's Masyn's job.”
The Cardinals told Winn of their intention to sign Crawford on Sunday before Winn made his spring debut that afternoon. He went 3 for 3 with a stolen base and a nifty backhand play at shortstop. The 21-year-old freshman joked that he was competitive and the news “definitely lit a fire under my (expletive).”
He quickly began researching Crawford's career.
The four Gold Glove awards. The three all-star appearances. The World Series titles with the Giants in 2012 and 2014. Fourth place in the 2021 NL MVP voting. And, Winn acknowledged, Crawford's age.
“I grew up watching the guy for a long time,” Winn said.
Cardinals players were excited about the signing, and some who spoke to Winn about it were impressed by his reaction. He viewed the move as a vote of confidence in him. During a conversation with manager Oliver Marmol, Winn expressed that he welcomes the competition “especially in this camp” for the first time when he is expected to take on a day-to-day job.
When considering their roster, the Cardinals were eager to give Winn the title of an everyday player, but didn't really lean on him every day. Their only alternative on the roster was Edman, last year's starter at shortstop, who is coming back from wrist surgery. The Cardinals want Edman to focus on center field, and while they're not yet sure if he'll recover in time for Opening Day, they don't want to further complicate his spring by counting on him like they did to be the starter somewhere new and the backup everywhere else.
“When we talk about our defense being solid, part of it is because it's playing in the same spots more often than before,” Marmol said. “It allows us to do a few things – not have Tommy bounce back and forth.” Masyn plays short, and this will be the longest season he's ever experienced. That's why it's important to keep it fresh. The only way to do this is to bounce Tommy back and forth. In our opinion, this is not optimal.
“It’s a perfect fit for what we’re looking for.”
Last week, as practice ended and players dispersed from the back fields, Mozeliak was asked by the Post-Dispatch about depth at shortstop.
“My answer was neither clear, concise nor definitive,” Mozeliak admitted Tuesday. “Now we’re here, we can be much more targeted.”
That's because Crawford said yes.
Although interest and an offer from the Cardinals came quickly – within the last week – Crawford and his agent had discussions with multiple teams this winter. But since he was a free agent for the first time in his career, the most important conversations took place at home. This ended any discussion about a possible resignation.
Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford watches from the dugout after striking out in the first inning of a game against the Dodgers on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in San Francisco.
John Hefti, Associated Press
His children wanted him to continue playing.
One of his five, eight-year-old Braxton, insisted.
“To be honest he could probably cut the squad. Big baseball fan,” Crawford said. “He knew if I stopped playing he wouldn’t go to as many games. I think that was the main reason. I think he enjoys watching me play too, but he will also be able to attend more games.â€
For Crawford, there was another motivating factor, less influential than his family, but more evident on his baseball card. In 2023, two years removed from a career-best 24 home runs and MVP votes, he hit .194 and had a .314 on-base percentage. Knee and hamstring injuries limited him to 93 games. He has been on the injured list at least six times in the last two seasons.
But Year 13 with the Giants was the final year of his contract, so he has weathered some injuries because he has a reputation for being available and consistent. Remaining a Giant was also important, and he shared some of that Tuesday when he said he got “goosebumps and butterflies in his stomach” watching the Cardinals finish this season in San Francisco.
As a player with an expiring contract, one way to try to continue playing for a team is to play for a team and not finish that time with a team on the IL.
“He played through quite a bit last year,” Marmol said. “So we can look at his numbers and say, 'Wait a minute.' The reality is that this is a competitor who will never give up, who wants to be out there every day and who has played through real pain. We’re going to get a much better version of him this year.”
Crawford said: “To put behind us a difficult year in terms of injuries and on the pitch, I'm coming back hoping to be as healthy as possible and contribute as best I can.”
The Cardinals believe less demand for Crawford could mean more production.
As a left-handed hitter, Crawford complements Winn's right-handed swing. The Cardinals intend for Winn to receive the majority of playing time but not be burdened with full playing time in his first full season. They believe Crawford will be successful when he doesn't try to carry the workload of the everyday starter, and in conversations with the Cardinals he's been clear that he understands the role. He spoke Tuesday about being a mentor. Winn could see them already interlocking and mingling. Winn noted, “This guy is incredible with the glove, and I think everyone knows that.” He wants to get a pair of gloves from Crawford for his arm.
The Cardinals believe this is a win-win situation.
They can let Edman focus on center field, they can avoid burning out Winn or having no alternative at shortstop, and they can get Braxton Crawford for a few more games. And the conversations with the rookie shortstop did more than just boost confidence in Winn.
It showed how high they see his potential.
“I think he’s super talented,” Mozeliak said. “From a defensive perspective, we are very confident that he can fill the position.” The question is: What kind of offensive production does he have? But we don't want to put so much pressure on him that it prevents him from being successful. Now he has something of a lifeline. He has someone who can help him grow.”
The St. Louis Cardinals began spring training in Jupiter, Florida in February 2024, working in the bullpen, on the field and in the batting cage. Fans were also there. Here are video highlights from Allie Schallert, [email protected]
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