The San Francisco Giants were in an interesting situation with the upcoming offseason. Only three players had a guaranteed contract for the 2022 campaign, leaving the Giants to either be a major player in free agency, or to hope that their farm system would have enough talent to bridge the gaps. While it would not be a surprise to see an extension or two before free agency, the Giants will have a lot of work to do.
On Friday, they made certain that one key piece to their lineup will return. Brandon Crawford has signed a two year extension worth $32 million, keeping him in San Francisco through the 2023 season.
Brandon Crawford will stay in the Bay pic.twitter.com/9u0oYC1EOC
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) August 13, 2021
San Francisco Giants taking risk with Brandon Crawford
Not too long ago, it had seemed that Crawford would fade away as a bottom of the lineup hitter, a solid defensive shortstop whose bat had slowed down. From 2017 through 2019, he produced an OPS+ of 86 over his 1724 plate appearances, his offensive contributions an afterthought.
That narrative began to change in 2020. Crawford was above average at the pate for the first time since 2016, but it was easy to dismiss that production due to the shortened season. With his impending free agency, the 2021 season was going to be key for his future.
Crawford has responded perfectly. He is in the midst of a career best season, producing a .296/.364/.540 batting line over his 371 plate appearances, hitting 19 homers and 21 doubles while stealing nine bases. This production has helped feul what has been a surprising season for the Giants as they lead the NL West.
But there is a great deal of risk with this contract. Crawford had set a career high in OPS+ in each of the past two sesaons, and at 34 years old, it is difficult to imagine that trend continuing. Crawford may well revert back to being that light hitting defensive shortstop, making the contract a drastic overpay, especially with the plethora of free agents that will be available at the position.
Nonetheless, this is a move that the Giants had to make. Crawford has been a key piece of their roster for over a decade, a steady if unspectacular player. He may not live up to the contract in terms of production, but Crawford is a well respected veteran whose locker room presence cannot be discounted.
Brandon Crawford will remain with the San Francisco Giants for the next two seasons. His extension may be a risk, but it is one they had to take.