Cardinals Reportedly Sign Three-Time All-Star To Bolster Position-Player Depth
The St. Louis Cardinals offseason has been filled with pitching additions after a season in which both the rotation and bullpen lagged behind a potent position player group.
After months of focusing on rebuilding the pitching staff -- which included the additions of three starting pitchers and a pair of high-leverage relievers, Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak reportedly has added some position player depth.
"The St. Louis Cardinals are signing three-time All-Star Brandon Crawford, league sources said," The Athletic's Katie Woo wrote Monday.
"Crawford, 37, is expected to serve as a backup shortstop behind 21-year-old rookie Masyn Winn while the team awaits further clarity on Tommy Edman’s recovery from wrist surgery," Woo continued. "The deal is pending a physical."
The homegrown former San Francisco Giants star hit .194 with 19 extra-base hits including seven home runs, 38 RBIs and a .587 OPS in 93 games last season. His offense has certainly taken a dip in recent years but he has a lifetime 97 OPS+ and a truly elite glove.
Crawford -- a four-time National League Gold Glove winner -- recorded six outs above average last season, placing him in the 90th percentile of defenders. Had he played a more regular role for the Giants last season, he would have been in contention for his fifth Gold Glove.
The veteran will be an important presence for Winn as the budding prospect aims to use his bazooka of an arm to become one of the best middle infielders in baseball.
The move also takes pressure off of Edman, who can focus on both rehabbing and becoming a near-full-time outfielder.
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