Due to Tommy Edman’s slower recovery from wrist surgery than anticipated, the Cardinals may seek a veteran shortstop for the beginning of the season. It seems likely that Edman will begin 2024 on the injured list, prompting the Cardinals to consider options in case Masyn Winn isn’t ready for the majors or gets injured. While the Cardinals had initially shown interest in Nick Ahmed, who has since signed with the San Francisco Giants, they are now exploring other possibilities.
With Ahmed now with the Giants, they are no longer pursuing Brandon Crawford, a longtime mainstay. However, reports suggest that the Cardinals are among the teams interested in acquiring Crawford.
There is mutual interest between #stlcards and Gold Glove-winner Crawford, a source tells me. Team has been looking for a backup.
Adding to @susanslusser’s report here. https://t.co/58epkZBXhF
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) February 26, 2024
Despite being 37 years old, Crawford offers reliable defense and could serve as a backup shortstop until Edman returns. While Crawford’s offensive performance may not be as impressive as it once was, there’s still potential, as evidenced by his strong showing in MVP voting just two years ago during the Giants’ remarkable 2021 season. Realistically, though, he would likely be utilized primarily as a seasoned bench player similar to Matt Carpenter.
A deal between Crawford and the Cardinals could materialize soon, given the reported mutual interest. This raises questions about the composition of the Cardinals’ bench, particularly with existing left-handed options like Carpenter and Burleson. Despite Masyn Winn’s promising performance in Spring Training, some feel that the Cardinals might be acting prematurely by exploring the market, especially considering the potential of Donovan covering shortstop in Winn’s absence. However, the primary concern remains the uncertain progress of Tommy Edman’s recovery and its implications for the team’s outfield depth.
