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The San Diego Padres have added another experienced arm to their bullpen depth by signing right-handed pitcher Hans Crouse to a minor league contract, with an assignment to Triple-A El Paso, as indicated by his official transactions log.
Crouse, who is 27 years old, was released from his minor league deal with the Baltimore Orioles earlier this week. During his time with the Norfolk Tides, the Orioles' top affiliate, he posted a 3-2 record with a 4.44 ERA across 24 appearances, covering 26.1 innings. He recorded 29 strikeouts and issued 12 walks while limiting opposing hitters to a .224 batting average.
The right-hander brings substantial major league experience, having appeared in 27 games at the highest level, including 25 with the Los Angeles Angels in 2024. In that season, he went 4-3 with a 2.84 ERA out of the Angels' bullpen, striking out 34 batters in 25.1 innings and holding opponents to a mere .161 average.
This signing marks the second consecutive day that the Padres have inked a reliever with big league experience to a minor league contract. On Saturday, the club added right-hander J.P. France, who was recently let go by the Houston Astros.
Strategic Implications
The timing of these acquisitions has fueled speculation that Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller is preparing to make a trade from his bullpen surplus before Monday's 3 p.m. PT trade deadline. The Padres have been linked in various reports to trade discussions involving multiple relief pitchers.
By bringing in Crouse and France, the Padres may be ensuring they have enough experienced arms to cover any potential departures from the major league bullpen. For Crouse, an Orange County native, the opportunity to sign with a Southern California team could have been an enticing factor.
Crouse is known for his unorthodox delivery, which maximizes the effectiveness of his 93-mph two-seam fastball. He also features a slider and a changeup, according to Statcast.
Despite his success with the Angels in 2024, his progress was halted by a torn lat muscle in April 2025 while pitching for the Angels' Triple-A affiliate. He was subsequently released.
Originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in the second round of the 2017 draft, Crouse was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies at the 2021 deadline in a package for pitcher Spencer Howard. He appeared in two games with the Phillies in 2021, then spent most of the next three seasons in the minors before returning to the majors with the Angels.