Wyatt Crowell was born on October 13, 2001, in Cumming, Georgia… AN AREA I HAPEN TO LOVE A LOT. His love for baseball began at age five, and he’s been hooked ever since. His deceptive delivery is one of his most captivating features, refined through years of practice. With a five-pitch arsenal—including a four-seam fastball, sinker, changeup, and two sliders—Crowell keeps hitters guessing. His shorter slider, often thrown early in counts, can catch batters off guard, making him an even more formidable foe on the mound. His journey to professional baseball has been anything but conventional. He is 6′ tall and 170 pounds and is a LHP… think a LH Version of Gavin Stone. He arrived at Florida State University as a two-way player, but by his freshman year, he realized his future lay solely on the mound. His decision to focus on pitching was solidified after a notable increase in his fastball velocity. In July 2019, his fastball was cruising around 90 mph. Fast forward to 2021, and that same fastball had blossomed into a mid-90s weapon, touching 96 mph.
But in 2023, just as Wyatt was finding his stride: Tommy John surgery. The injury not only ended his season but abruptly concluded his collegiate career. Knowing full well the lengthy rehab process ahead, Crowell set his sights on the professional draft. When the Dodgers selected him in the fourth round, they knew he wouldn’t be back on the mound until late spring or early summer of 2024. But Crowell was determined to prove himself.
Baseball America wrote this about him:
“A small and lean lefthander with a 6-foot, 169-pound frame, Crowell pitches with a simple delivery and whippy fast arm that fires to the plate from a three-quarter slot. He works off a two-pitch mix and typically pitched in the 93-94 mph range and got into the upper 90s, though in 2023 before his surgery he averaged 90 mph and touched 93. It’s more of a sinker than a riding fastball up in the zone, and Crowell uses his mid-80s slider as his go-to swing-and-miss offering. It’s a high-spin pitch in the 2,600 rpm range that he uses almost half the time, with whiff rates around 50% in the last two seasons. Crowell has thrown a slower curveball around 80 mph with more depth, which still blends into his slider shape and might simply be him manipulating the slider in the first place, as well as a mid-80s changeup—though the two are rarely used.“
— BA
The Dodgers sent Crowell to Camelback Ranch to begin his recovery, and by mid-June, he was ready for his professional debut with Rancho Cucamonga. His family was able to witness this milestone firsthand, seeing him pitch professionally for the first time. Crowell didn’t disappoint. In seven starts for the Quakes, he posted an impressive 1.56 ERA and struck out 26 batters. His command was generally sharp, with the only hiccup coming in a start against Lake Elsinore, where he walked five batters. Crowell’s ability to lock in under pressure is evident: opponents are hitting just .130 against him with the bases empty, and just .052 with runners in scoring position.
As promising as his performance has been, stamina remains a challenge. His longest outing this season was just 3.1 innings. In the early innings, he’s been nearly untouchable, allowing only two runs combined in the first two frames. However, in the third and fourth innings, he’s given up five runs in 3.1 innings. Building the endurance to be a starter, especially after Tommy John surgery, is no small feat. Whether Crowell will find a long-term home in the rotation or transition to the bullpen remains uncertain.
Still, Crowell has already exceeded expectations and is ranked No. 38 on the Dodgers’ top prospect list by Fangraphs. His performance last season, along with his stellar 2022 and 2023 campaigns (1.76 ERA in 71.2 innings), suggests that his best is yet to come. If he continues on this trajectory, he could soon be counted among the next good to great lefties in Dodger history.
If Crowell doesn’t develop into a consistent starter, a bullpen role could be a natural fit. At Florida State, he posted a dazzling 1.76 ERA over two years, but made just one start in 33 appearances. His fastball-slider mix, paired with his deceptive arm angle, could allow him to excel in high-leverage relief situations, reminiscent of MLB stars like Josh Hader.
Regardless of where he ends up, Crowell’s future is brimming with promise. Whether as a starter or out of the bullpen, the Dodgers may have another very good southpaw on their hands.
Video
Yesterday. I talked to Tony Jackson, who used to be a former Dodger Beat Writer and was the Cincinatti Reds beat writer before that. Tony used to write for La Dodger Talk back in the day, and we had big plans… but it never worked out! Tony and I were having dinner at a Mexican Place in Pasadena, when his phone rang and as he jumped up, he said, “I’ve got to go, Manny was just suspended!” Of course, I had to pay the check! 😉
It was good to talk to him again after several years and we will try and hook up for a game on Feburary 20, 22, or 23, 2025. That’s when I plan to be at Spring Training this year.
He’s a definite sleeper and by virtue of being LH an immediate top 10-15 pitcher in the system. Ideally he can develop stamina and become a back-of-the rotation SP in 2-3 years. Failing that, he does profile well as a reliever. Good chance he makes it in one form or another. Post-injury draft picks usually mean we really believe in the person and the work ethic.
What’s Tony Jackson doing these days? I used to really enjoy his work.
He was in Real Estate for many years since he left ESPN, but now he’s entering the cybersecurity industry. In training… He recently sold his house and his daughter lives in San Diego, so I suppose he is not tied to Phoenix. He lived close to Camelback.
Thanks for the update.
Cybersecurity, eh? Maybe the Dodgers can hire him to hack Preller’s emails so we know what we’re up against in signing Sasaki.
Yeah, he’s a big name for fans.
Yu Darvish was Sasaki’s Idol growing up.
Darvish will be 38 next year and is signed through 2028 (his age 41 season).
OTOH, Yamamto is signed through 2035 and Ohtani, is signed through 2033. Does Sasaki want to sign and play with an Old Man, or does he want a shot at winning Championships? He could play in Japan with the Dodgers on Opening Day.
If Sasaki is dumb enough to sign with the Morons down the Freeway, he might be one too!
I assume that last sentence was tongue in cheek Mark, but c’mon man, maybe his primary objective in signing with a team is to be THE star. Here, he’d have to be third in line behind Sho and YY (and that’s just the Japanese stars).
In SD, Yu would be there to show him the ropes and by the time he’s feeling nice and comfy, Darvish leaves and turns it all over to Sasaki.
We may find out something about his thought process after he signs, but right now, it’s all total guesswork. Maybe he really does want to play with our guys. In that case he’ll come here.
I hear that there’s a very good chance he signs with the Royals, because KC is known for their great barbecued sushi.
If Sasaki’s aim is simply to win championships, the Dodgers are the obvious choice.
But if he wants to forge a separate and strong identity as a star–his “brand,” as they say–Sasaki might be better off elsewhere.
Why not NYC? If you can make it there…
The Darvish connection certainly puts San Diego in play, and it also could add some exciting rivalry as Sasaki squares off against Shohei and Yamamoto.
I may be wrong trying to channel how Japanese fans might view this.
But I don’t think so.
Ohtani is the star of baseball worldwide, but make no mistake, if the Dodgers sign Sasaki, and speaking strictly of pitching, the No. 1 Japanese star, in the long term, would be Sasaki over Yamamoto and Ohtani. Sasaki will be a better pitcher than them.
I don’t think Mark does tongue in cheek, doesn’t seem like his style but I could be wrong.
I live near KC, the barbecue is out of this world but I haven’t heard anything on the barbecue sushi. So was that statement tongue in cheek?
Q39 is pretty freaking awesome!
Best BBQ I have ever had!
Yes, firmly planted in my cheek.
Everyone knows they don’t barbecue sushi in KC. They do that in Texas.
100% with Mark.
Q39 is the best bbque I’ve ever had. Those burnt ends are forever etched in my memory.
Rosenthal has a lot of Dodger stuff in today’s piece:
($$$$$)
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5961937/2024/12/02/mlb-free-agency-juan-soto-willy-adames-corbin-burnes/
Basically waiting to see if they can get Soto at a value or team friendly deal (Harper’s pitch is mentioned)
Not really mentioned on Adames.
Good info on why Buehler:
A. Didn’t get a QO
B. May be more likely to sign elsewhere.
OK, I acknowledge that AF knows far more than I. I also acknowledge that both Mark and the rest of you regular contributors seem much more educated on this stuff than I am. AF does not want Joc Pederson. None of you seem to agree with me on my quest to get Joc back either, but would someone please educate me on why you all seem so opposed given the following:
2024 OBP:
Pederson .393
Ohtani .390
Freeman .378
Betts .372
Teo .339
Smith .327
2024 contracts:
Ohtani $70 million
Betts $30 million
Freeman $27 million
Teo $23.5 million
Smith $16.5 million
Joc $12.5 million
What am I missing here? He can’t be that bad of a fielder since he once patrolled center field for us.
He’s overpaid. He’s strictly a platoon player. Most platoon players should be cheaper. He can’t field. The team already has a DH.
Other than that, it’s a good idea!
Where’s he going to play on the Dodgers? We already have a permanent DH. Also a sub-par fielder.
he is a dh for ever now! he is one of my favorite dodgers. BUT, he can’t play mediocre defense anymore. And we know how the first base experiment went. A place like pittsburgh or milwaukee would work for Joc. He has no role in LA. i wish he did!
With Teo I’m 50/50, I like his bat but I don’t like his defense (the worst LF in NL) and his age. If he comes back I will support him, if he leaves I hope he does well and thank you very much for the memories.
It seems like Tyler O’Neil’s name is mentioned a lot in the rumor mill. It’s either used as leverage to get Teo’s years and price down or he’s a serious option. He has two golden gloves and the stats are very similar to Teo’s. I don’t think Cody Bellingers return seems likely but we will see. I have faith in AF at building a new team for 2025. The Snell signing was Epic. I was hoping for him or Buehler back, I don’t think they will do both. I know he feels pressure to resign Kershaw but not sure if he can help the team in 2025 or just draw from the payroll again. I guess it’s important to remain a Dodger throughout his career. I know he’s seen his better days and is a favorite of Marks. Getting Tommy extended was a great move as he is one of the most important players on the team in my opinion. Lastly, I wonder if Kike will be back? I like him better than CT3 but I know CT3 is signed for another year. I love this time of year.
O’Neill makes a TON of sense if a reasonable (to the Dodgers) deal can’t be made with Teoscar.
In my opinion, of course.
You know what Bill, that’s a fine take.
So far so good. Work around the edges, and strike when the coals are hot. Andrew is a brilliant tactician. Most not all of what he does turns to gold. Great times are coming soon……wait you say, we are champions, yes but soon we will be epic!
Book em
If I tell you that CT3, before signing his big contract, was a better player than Edman.
Edman is a very good player but if he expects his October performance to carry him over to the regular season you are going to be very disappointed.
I don’t think CT3 was better… but he did have one year that was dramatically better.
That’s a bold statement DodgerHorse. I know Edman is a much younger version of CT3 today. 5 years younger I believe. Edman has a Gold glove under his belt and has yet to show us his full Potential. It would be hard to continue the October pace I agree but it’s not impossible either. CT3 had his moments here but looks over matched at the plate currently. I was at the 2017 WS when he lead off the game with a Homerun against the A$$holes and remember some incredible catches he has made. I’m not a CT3 hater, I just would like to see the 2025 team improved.
With the starpower the Dodgers posess, bench players are not there so much for their bats, but rather, their gloves. If they can fill in for a week, three weeks, or two months and play stellar defense, their job is done.
Barnes, CT3 and Kike are here for their gloves… and if they get opportunistic with the bat… then so be it! Soto or Teoscar would be just for LF. I belive the Dodgers only want to offer Teo two years (and maybe it’s two years with deferred money). Soto is a pipe dream, but you cannot count it out.
I think there is a prety good chance Outman has the opportunity to platoon with Pages in RF.
On CT3 vs. Tommy Baseball, you are comparing apples to pineapples. Chris Taylor hits a HR every 35 AB’s while striking out 30% of the time. Tommy strikes out 16% of the time and hits a HR every 44 AB’s.
Tommy is an elite basestealer and a Gold Glove Caliber CF’er and SS. CT3 is solid. Tommy is 29 and CT3 is 34. Next season will likely be CT3’s last and Tommy’s first (full) season.
What I’m saying is that CT3, BEFORE (2017-2021) signing his big contract he was a better player than Edman.
CT3 signed his contract at 30 years old and that did not go well for the team. Edman is signing his big contract at 29 years of age, I hope this time it turns out well for the team.
Kike is a FA currently, Do you think they will resign him? My point was I would rather have Kike and trade CT3 if they don’t carry both.
I hope they re-sign Kike. He is part of the Dodger “Fabric.”
We have to pay CT3 another $2m if we trade him. Not likely.
I fully expect a bench of Kike, CT3 and Barnsie.