Cardinals finalize deal with Gold Glove shortstop Brandon Crawford to address depth concern

"Cardinals sign experienced shortstop Brandon Crawford, adding depth to the team. Concerns about Tommy Edman's health and opening day availability."

The St. Louis Cardinals have continued their trend of adding veteran, experienced players to their roster by finalizing a deal with Brandon Crawford, a Gold Glove-winning shortstop from the San Francisco Giants. This move reflects the team's concerns about their depth at shortstop and their need for an experienced player to complement their roster. Crawford, who has been a cornerstone for the Giants for the past twelve years, brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Cardinals. His addition provides a left-handed hitting complement to rookie Masyn Winn at shortstop, and offers added depth if Tommy Edman isn't available for opening day. The Cardinals have been discussing their depth at shortstop and what they would do for an extended stretch at the position if Winn or Edman isn't available, and Crawford's signing addresses this concern.

Crawford, 37, has won four Rawlings Gold Glove awards during his career with the Giants, and his experience and skillset make him a valuable addition to the Cardinals' roster. His signing reflects the team's focus on bolstering their lineup with experienced players, as seen with the recent additions of Lance Lynn and Kyle Gibson. The Cardinals are also concerned about Edman's recovery from offseason wrist surgery and his availability for opening day. They are working to balance his recovery and ensure that he can advance in his rehab. The team's exploration of the free-agent market for shortstops intensified when appealing options began signing, leading to the completion of the deal with Crawford.

Crawford's agent, Joel Wolfe, has highlighted the value of Crawford's experience and character, emphasizing his impact on the team and his ability to offer valuable leadership. Despite recent injury setbacks, Crawford's track record and reputation as a superb fielder and hitter make him a valuable addition to the Cardinals' roster. His signing adds depth to the team's bench and provides a left-handed bat to complement their lineup.

The Cardinals will have to make a roster move to accommodate Crawford's arrival, and his addition will create more competition for spots on the bench. With Matt Carpenter's return and the presence of other left-handed bats, the team will need to weigh their options and decide on the final composition of their lineup. Crawford's experience and success in the World Series, as well as his track record against the Cardinals, make him a significant addition to the team's roster.

Overall, the Cardinals' signing of Brandon Crawford reflects their commitment to adding experienced, skilled players to their roster and addressing their concerns about depth at shortstop. Crawford's addition provides valuable depth and leadership to the team, and his signing is a significant move for the Cardinals as they prepare for the upcoming season.

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