The Dodgers have agreed to terms with left-handed pitcher Casey Crosby, Octagon Baseball announced on Thursday.
The 31-year old went 3-1 with a 1.74 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 75 strikeouts in 46.2 innings split between the Chicago Dogs and the Lancaster Barnstormers in the Independent League.
Crosby pitched most recently with the Minnesota Twins minor league affiliates, where in 2018 he posted a combined ERA of 2.95 in 21.2 innings.
Crosby was originally drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 5th round of the 2007 MLB Draft, and his one stint pitching in the majors came in 2012 for the Tigers, where he surrendered 13 earned runs in 3 starts.
His contract with the Dodgers included an invite to Spring Training, and the left-hander could turn out to be a weapon, most likely out of the bullpen, for the Dodgers.
Former MLB @CaseyCrosby2 96-98 MPH Bullpen. Up to 20.8” VB and 2700 RPM. 14.5 K/9 this year. Current Free Agent. Rapsodo data to follow. @FlatgroundApp @PitchingNinja @TheChicagoDogs pic.twitter.com/Afd48yny56
— Jordan Dean (@Jordan_Dean1) November 28, 2019
While these metrics are just coming from bullpen sessions, these are how they would stack up against all other MLB LHP’s.
Fastball velocity – 99th percentile
Fastball vertical movement – 96th percentile
Curveball vertical movement – 99th percentile
Obviously it will be his challenge to replicate these during live MLB competition, but he’s got the potential to be a devastating option out of the bullpen for the Dodgers.
This is absolutely a 70 CB from Casey Crosby. Good lord lol. pic.twitter.com/FtFvKuRXJl
— 🧩 (@eccentricladdie) December 5, 2019
Needless to say, this is a very low risk high reward signing for the Dodgers, and certainly a feel good story for the 31-year-old who made his comeback after being out of baseball for two years after the 2014 season.
Crosby, who was once in Baseball America’s Top 50 Pitching Prospects in America, has potential through the roof, and the Dodgers hope he can latch on to a role and contribute for the 2020 season.
And did we mention his kids are certainly excited for their Dad?
(Photo Credits: Haley Crosby @HaleyCrosby24 // Chicago Dogs)
–David Rosenthal is a writer and contributor for Dodgers LowDown. Follow him on twitter @_TherealDRose