Orioles Add Depth with Hans Crouse Signing, Eyes Still on Rotation and Roster Battles Ahead of Spring Training
The Orioles made a quiet but notable move yesterday, reinforcing their pitching depth by signing right-hander Hans Crouse to a minor league deal. It’s the kind of under-the-radar addition that doesn’t grab headlines like a blockbuster trade, but it could pay dividends as the season unfolds.
Crouse, 27, is coming off a tough 2025 campaign that was derailed by a torn lat muscle. But when healthy, he’s shown the kind of stuff that keeps teams interested.
In 2024, he posted a 2.84 ERA across 25 relief appearances with the Angels, striking out 34 and walking 17 over 25 2/3 innings. That’s solid production in a middle relief role.
And in Triple-A Salt Lake that same year, he was even better - a 2.27 ERA with 59 strikeouts and just 13 walks in 31 2/3 innings. That’s a strikeout rate that jumps off the page.
Originally drafted by the Rangers in the second round back in 2017, Crouse was part of a 2021 deadline deal that sent him, Kyle Gibson, and Ian Kennedy to the Phillies. He made two MLB starts that year, but command issues (seven walks in seven innings) and a biceps injury in 2022 stalled his momentum. After appearing just twice for Salt Lake in 2025 before the lat injury, he was released in April.
Now, he gets a fresh start with Baltimore. In 2024, Crouse leaned on a sinker-slider-changeup mix, having shelved the four-seam fastball that once averaged 92.8 mph back in 2021. Whether he ends up starting games for Triple-A Norfolk, working out of the bullpen, or bouncing between roles, he adds a layer of flexibility to the Orioles’ pitching plans - something every team values over a 162-game grind.
Crouse joins a group of Norfolk starting candidates that includes Trey Gibson, Nestor German, Cameron Weston, Levi Wells, and potentially Cade Povich and Brandon Young, depending on how the big-league roster shakes out.
While the Orioles haven’t released their full list of spring training invitees yet, we do know Crouse will be in Sarasota. He’ll be joined by a mix of pitchers, catchers, and position players looking to make their mark.
Among them: Albert Suárez, Josh Walker, Sam Huff, Maverick Handley, Silas Ardoin, Luis Vázquez, José Barrero, Ryan Noda, Enrique Bradfield Jr., Jhonkensy Noel, and Will Robertson. And that’s just a slice of the group reporting to Ed Smith Stadium.
Pitchers and catchers participating in the World Baseball Classic are due to report on February 9, with the rest of the battery mates arriving on February 11. WBC position players check in February 12, and the full squad reports by February 16.
And while adding Crouse provides depth, the Orioles still have bigger fish to fry - namely, rounding out their starting rotation. They made a strong push for Ranger Suárez before he landed with the Red Sox, and they’re still being linked to names like Framber Valdez and Zac Gallen. That search for a frontline starter remains one of the biggest storylines heading into spring.
There’s also the bullpen to consider. President of Baseball Operations/GM Mike Elias likely isn’t done adding to the relief corps. If he’s available during the upcoming Birdland Caravan, expect questions about the rotation and bullpen to be front and center.
Then there’s the infield puzzle. Elias didn’t commit to bringing in a utility player from outside the organization during the Winter Meetings, instead pointing to Jeremiah Jackson as a potential internal option.
But the roster math gets tricky if both Ryan Mountcastle and Coby Mayo are in the fold. That first base situation is one to watch - whether both players report to camp, make the Opening Day roster, or if one is moved in a deal for pitching help.
If Mayo sticks around, does he get reps in the outfield corners? Does he return to third base? The Orioles didn’t show much interest in putting him back at the hot corner in 2025, but things change - new season, new staff, new possibilities.
Another storyline to track: Colton Cowser’s role in center field. As of now, he’s penciled in as the starter, but spring could shift that picture depending on how things unfold.
And then there’s the leadoff spot. Jackson Holliday, Gunnar Henderson, and Taylor Ward are all candidates.
Dylan Beavers could be in the mix too, thanks to his on-base ability. Holliday might end up further down the order, but it’s all speculation until we see how the Grapefruit League lineups start to take shape.
Just don’t read too much into those early spring batting orders - they’re often more about reps than roles.
In Hall of Fame news, outfielders Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones were elected last night. Beltrán received 84.2% of the vote, while Jones finally got the nod with 78.4% in his ninth year on the ballot. It was a long time coming for Jones, whose defensive dominance and power production made him one of the most complete center fielders of his era.
To get in, players need 75% of the vote. Chase Utley led the group of non-inductees with 59.1%. Orioles fans might be interested to know that Nick Markakis received one vote - a nod from former Baltimore Sun reporter Dan Connolly.
Looking ahead, former Oriole Jake Arrieta will be eligible for the Hall of Fame ballot next year.
For now, the focus shifts to Sarasota. The Orioles have questions to answer - in the rotation, in the bullpen, and around the diamond.
But they’ve also got depth, talent, and a front office that isn’t finished making moves. Buckle up.
Spring training is just around the corner.