Texas Rangers Prospect Radar: Hans Crouse

The Texas Rangers aren’t off to a hot start, but the prospects in the system may offer a bright spot for the future.

Throughout this series we’re taking a look at the Rangers top prospects according to MLB.com Prospect Watch. We’re working our way from the top to the bottom of the list. Hans Crouse came to the Rangers out of high school by way of the 2017 MLB Draft. Get to know Texas’ newest prospect on this edition of Rangers Prospect Radar.

Background

The Texas Rangers drafted pitcher, Hans Crouse out of Dana Hills High School in California. Texas spent a 2017 second round draft pick on the young right hander. The pitcher is a tall lean right-hander with a 6’4″, 180 lb. frame. At 19-years old, he’s a high upside prospect who is the top rated pitcher in the Texas system. According to MLB.com Prospect Watch, Crouse is the number four prospect in the Rangers system.

Scouting Report

Crouse’s scouting report immediately highlights his overpowering fastball, which sits in the mid-90’s and can ramp up near 100 MPH. On the 20/80 scouting scale, his fastball grades out at a 70 which means it is well above average. He also features on big slider that he seems to have good control with that grades out a 60 on the scale. He is developing a changeup that scouts say could still use some work but could become a solid third pitch. With average control, Crouse projects to be an average to above average pitcher.

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Minor League Service

Hans Crouse doesn’t have much minor league service under his belt having been drafted just a year ago out of high school. He spent his pro time in 2017 in the Arizona Rookie League. While playing rookie ball for the Rangers, he was extremely impressive. He made 10 appearances 6 of which were starts. Crouse posted a .45 ERA through 20 innings at just 18-years old. He also allowed 7 hits and 7 walks, but perhaps most impressively, he struck out 30 during this time good for a 13.5 SO/9 rate. Opponents hit just .109 against him in rookie ball last year. He started the 2018 season in extended spring training.

Expectations

Hans Crouse is still a few years away from cracking the big league roster. At just 19-years old, he’s still considered a pretty raw prospect who needs a lot of development. That being said, if his start in rookie ball was any indicator, the Rangers have a top talent on their hands. We could probably see Crouse in the 2021 or 2022 season unless he makes some major strides in development. When he does make the big leagues, he has the potential to be a mid rotation starter which is a huge plus for the Rangers organization.