As the Baltimore Orioles continue to build up its depth and talent pool, we have yet another low-risk, high-reward signing to dive in to.
According to multiple industry sources, the Orioles and right-hander Hans Crouse have agreed to a minor league deal for the 2026 season, with an invitation to spring training.
The 27-year-old was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft. Known early in his career for a lively fastball and strikeout potential, he was considered one of the Rangers’ more intriguing pitching prospects before injuries slowed his development.
Crouse eventually made his big league debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in September of 2021, after being acquired in a mid-season trade. He would pitch in two games and give up four earned runs in seven innings of work.
The Dana Point, CA, native would not appear in the big leagues again until the 2024 season, in which he posted a 2.84 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 25 games out of the bullpen for the Los Angeles Angels. In his 25.1 innings of work that year, the 6-foot-4 righty struck out 34 and walked 17.
After failing to win a spot on the Angels’ Opening Day roster last season, Crouse began the 2025 campaign at Triple-A Salt Lake but suffered a significant injury while throwing just four pitches in his second appearance of the season.
This will be a fresh start for Crouse, as he looks to regain his 2024 form. He will, in all likelihood, spend most of the year at Triple-A Norfolk.
What are your thoughts on this signing? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, X, Bluesky and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
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