It may not look pretty, but the results sure do. How long before the Texas Rangers prospect takes the mound in Arlington?
With each of our top 10 prospect lists this offseason, we will have a scouting report on one player from that organization’s top 10 list. With our recent review of the Texas Rangers, we will take a look at right-hander Hans Crouse, the Rangers #3 prospect.
Player profile
Hans Crouse made a name for himself among scouts with impressive performances with Team USA in the summer and fall of 2016, dominating Cuba for seven 1-hit innings while striking out 11 after a very good summer on the showcase circuit.
He followed up with a big senior year, where he was able to dominate hitters in the National High School Invitational in the spring with the same sort of bulldog mentality. The Texas Rangers were glad to snap him up in the second round of the 2017 draft with the 66th overall pick.
Crouse then came out and absolutely dominated in the Arizona Rookie League, often mentioned as the most impressive pitcher in the league in 2017. He made 10 appearances, 6 of them starts, tossing 20 innings, with a 0.45 ERA, 0.70 WHIP, and a 7/30 BB/K ratio. He even dominated in the playoffs, tossing 3 2/3 innings and striking out 7.
For his first full season, the Texas Rangers chose to hold him in extended spring training and have him open his year in short-season A-ball with Spokane. The Northwest League was no match for Crouse, though, as he posted a 2.37 ERA over 38 innings before being promoted.
He finished 2018 with low-A Hickory in the South Atlantic League, making 5 starts with a 2.70 ERA.