Shortstop Crawford, Cardinals seal deal

Brandon Crawford and St. Louis finalized a $2 million, one-year contract on Tuesday, giving the Cardinals an experienced backup for young shortstop Masyn Winn.

The 37-year-old Crawford spent his first 13 seasons with San Francisco. He won four Gold Gloves and two World Series championships with the Giants.

“We're excited to be adding a player with the winning credentials and pedigree of a Brandon Crawford,” Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak said in a statement. “He is someone that will provide us with valuable depth and experience on the infield, and can also be a great resource for our younger players, such as Masyn Winn.”

Winn, who turns 22 next month, made his big league debut last year. He hit .172 (21 for 122) with two homers and 12 RBIs in 37 games with St. Louis.

Crawford was selected by San Francisco in the fourth round of the 2008 amateur draft out of UCLA. The three-time All-Star played with St. Louis sluggers Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt on the U.S. in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

To make room for Crawford on the 40-man roster, the Cardinals designated infielder Buddy Kennedy for assignment.

Crawford appeared in 94 games in his final year in San Francisco, hitting .194 with seven homers and 38 RBIs. He had his best big league season in 2021, setting career highs with 24 homers, 90 RBIs, 11 steals and a .298 batting average in 138 games.

Son of Blue Jays' Swanson hit by car

Toronto Blue Jays reliever Erik Swanson has left the team to be with his family after his 4-year-old son, Toby, was hit by a car Sunday.

Manager John Schneider said Toby was airlifted to a hospital, and he is “on the road to recovery.” Schneider also praised the first responders in Clearwater for their “incredible work.”

“Erik will be away from the team for a while, family comes first,” Schneider said Tuesday.

Cubs make trade, room for Bellinger

The Chicago Cubs finalized Cody Bellinger's $80 million, three-year contract on Tuesday after they traded left-hander Bailey Horn to the White Sox, clearing a spot on their 40-man roster.

Bellinger, who turns 29 in July, will make $27.5 million this year. He has a $27.5 million player option for 2025 with a $2.5 million buyout. There is a $25 million player option for 2026 with a $5 million buyout. He also gets a hotel suite on road trips.

Bellinger hit a career-best .307 with 26 homers, 97 RBIs and 20 steals in 130 games with the Cubs last season.