The San Diego Padres have added another experienced arm to their organizational pitching depth, signing right-hander to a minor league contract and assigning him to Triple-A El Paso, according to his official transaction history.
Crouse, 27, became available after the Baltimore Orioles released him from his minor league deal earlier this week. He appeared in 24 games for Triple-A Norfolk, posting a 3-2 record with a 4.44 ERA over 26.1 innings. The right-hander struck out 29 batters while issuing 12 walks and held opposing hitters to a .224 batting average.
The veteran reliever has appeared in 27 major league games, including 25 outings with the Los Angeles Angels during the 2024 season. That year, he emerged as a reliable bullpen option, compiling a 4-3 record with a 2.84 ERA while striking out 34 batters in just 25.1 innings. Opponents managed only a .161 batting average against him.
Crouse’s signing comes just one day after the Padres reached a minor league agreement with fellow right-hander J.P. France, who was recently released by the Houston Astros. The back-to-back additions have fueled speculation that San Diego could be preparing for bullpen changes ahead of Monday’s trade deadline.
Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller has been linked to multiple trade discussions involving relief pitchers, and adding experienced options such as Crouse and France could provide valuable insurance if the club moves one or more relievers before the deadline.
A native of Orange County, California, Crouse may also have been attracted by the opportunity to return closer to home with a Southern California organization.
On the mound, Crouse relies on an unconventional delivery that helps maximize his 93 mph two-seam fastball. His repertoire also includes a slider and a changeup, according to Statcast.
After enjoying a breakout campaign with the Angels in 2024, Crouse’s momentum was interrupted by a torn lat muscle suffered while pitching for the club’s Triple-A affiliate in April 2025. The injury ultimately led to his release later that season.
Originally selected by the Texas Rangers in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft, Crouse was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies at the 2021 trade deadline as part of the deal that sent Spencer Howard to Texas. He made two major league appearances for Philadelphia in 2021 before spending the next several seasons in the minors, eventually returning to the majors with the Angels.
