Time for a reunion? No? Unless? Maybe?
Brandon Crawford is a free agent again. The San Francisco Giants legend and longtime starting shortstop was released by the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, the team announced. Crawford was unconditionally released, meaning he’ll jump straight to free agency assuming he clears waivers.
Brandon Crawford legit now has quit on his team. Legacy tarnished forever in my eyes and I for years was amongst his most vocal supporters. Can’t win with him. Can’t play with him. Can’t coach with him. Can’t do it. Joaquin Arias would never. https://t.co/d3QLALu496
— James in Sacramento (@TheRealLefthook) August 20, 2024
Crawford signed with the Cardinals in the offseason after the Giants — the team he grew up rooting for, was drafted and developed by, and had played his entire career for — didn’t express interest in re-signing him following a rough 2023 campaign. The Cardinals brought him in to primarily mentor young shortstop Masyn Winn, who has been having a spectacular first full season.
As a result, Crawford only appeared in 28 games, and had just 80 plate appearances for the Cardinals, hitting .169/.263/.282. He did play third base for the first time in his career — against the Giants no less — and got an opportunity to pitch for the second time, though that didn’t go particularly well.
Given his struggles — and that we’re past the point in the season where teams are looking for veteran mentors — it seems unlikely that Crawford will be claimed on waivers, or sign a Major League deal with anyone. If he wants to keep his baseball journey going he could surely sign a Minor League deal with a team, but it’s unclear if that’s the direction he’d like to go in.
It goes without saying that the Giants are highly unlikely to have any interest at the moment, as they’re pretty pleased with Tyler Fitzgerald at shortstop and Casey Schmitt as the backup, and have Brett Wisely and Marco Luciano in AAA. But if this is the end of the road for Crawford, and if the Giants fall out of contention for a postseason spot, don’t be surprised if the Giants sign him at the end of the season so that he can retire with the club.