As Spring Training kicks off, Milwaukee Brewers fans should keep an eye on Coleman Crow, a promising right-handed pitching prospect. Added to the 40-man roster this off-season to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, Crow might not make the Opening Day roster, but his spin-rate prowess is already turning heads among analytics enthusiasts. Let’s delve into how the Brewers acquired him and what he might bring to the mound this year.
The Trade That Brought Crow to Milwaukee
Back in December 2023, a strategic trade between Brewers president of baseball operations Matt Arnold and his predecessor, David Stearns, brought Crow into the fold. The deal was primarily a salary dump for Milwaukee, sending outfielder Tyrone Taylor and right-hander Adrian Houser to the New York Mets. In return, the Brewers received Crow, who was rehabbing from Tommy John surgery at the time.
During their stint with New York, Taylor and Houser combined for 1.1 bWAR in their first season, with Taylor contributing 3.0 bWAR and Houser at -0.9. By 2025, Taylor added another 1.0 bWAR, while Houser revitalized his career with the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago White Sox, eventually securing a hefty contract with the San Francisco Giants.
Over two seasons, they totaled a 2.1 bWAR for the Mets. For Crow, the expectations are set with this context as he aims for his MLB debut in 2026.
What Makes Crow Stand Out
Crow’s standout feature is his spin rate, especially on his mid-70s curveball, which averages around 3,000 RPMs. This pitch is his go-to weapon, complemented by a fastball in the low to mid-90s with above-average spin.
What sets Crow apart is his command and confidence in his breaking ball, often using it more than his fastball. He’s shown that velocity isn’t everything, consistently baffling hitters and inducing swings and misses.
Health and Future Prospects
Crow’s journey to the majors hinges on his health. Beyond recovering from elbow surgery, he dealt with a hip issue last year, which interrupted an otherwise impressive season. In 12 starts, he managed a 3.24 ERA over 50 innings, striking out 64 batters.
If Crow can stay healthy, he has a real shot at making a significant impact in 2026 and beyond. This could mark a notable success for Arnold in his first trade showdown against Stearns. Brewers fans should be excited about what Crow could bring to the team as he continues his development.