MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal of 'The Athletic' discussed the future of longtime San Francisco Giants' infielder Brandon Crawford in a column on Sunday morning.
– Free-agent shortstop Brandon Crawford, 37, is willing to move to second or third base, but also could retire if the right opportunity does not arise, according to sources familiar with his thinking.
Teams are showing interest in Crawford, but a return to the Giants – his only team during a 13-year career that has included two World Series titles, three All-Star appearances and four Gold Gloves – appears out of the question.
Known as a premium defender, Crawford has those four Gold Gloves. He also received MVP votes in two separate seasons.
A .250 hitter throughout his career, his average has lacked in the last two seasons, making him a tough hitter to project. He hit .231 in 2022 and then hit just .194 in 2023. Crawford played just 93 games this past season, hitting seven home runs and 38 RBI.
He hit a career-high 24 homers back in 2021.
At this point in Crawford's career, it likely depends on what he wants. He's already got two rings, so does he need to go to a contending team, or does he just want to be in a spot where he can play everyday? He's spent his entire career in San Francisco and established roots on the West Coast, so is staying out west, perhaps with the Angels, A's or Mariners, important to him?
Spring training begins in less than three weeks.
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