Very few players in the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft bring as much intrigue to the table as Wil Crowe, a right-handed pitcher from the University of South Carolina. Crowe, a Tennessee native, was about as decorated an athlete in high school as one could be. He was named a 2013 Louisville Slugger High School All-American and the 2013 Gatorade Player of the Year in Tennessee, while attending Pigeon Forge High School. He isn’t a newcomer to the draft, either. The Cleveland Indians selected him in the 31st round in 2013.
Wil Crowe 2017 MLB Draft Profile
Overview
The junior weekend starter brings a story of talent and perseverance along with him to the next level. He missed part of the 2015 and all of the 2016 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He was able to bounce back in 2017 and posted solid numbers (3.41 ERA, .247 BAA, and a 3:1 K/BB ratio) in the SEC, arguably college baseball’s most competitive conference. Coming into this season, Crowe was ranked as a top-10 SEC prospect by both Baseball America and Perfect Game.
Strengths
Accolades aside, it’s time to look at Wil Crowe, the pitcher. He comes in a 6’2, 245 pounds. He sports a low-to-mid 90s fastball, along with a curve and decent slider. His frame should definitely translate to the professional level. He projects a front-to-middle of the rotation starter that could have the ability to eat innings. He has the ability to pitch to both sides of the plate, which is a trait that will serve him well against professional hitters.
Weaknesses
There’s always the lingering concern when a pitcher has already undergone Tommy John. The year lost due to the surgery caused him to fall off several maps, but coming back strong in 2017 restored his place among the top players on teams’ boards coming into the draft. Thoughts of durability down the road could be a factor in where he gets selected, but it’s worth noting he was 15th in the SEC with 92.1 innings pitched in 2017.
MLB Comp
This was difficult. At first glance, the delivery said Jake Peavy, but Crowe’s stuff isn’t comparable to Peavy’s when he came into the league. If there was one pitcher Crowe compared to in today’s game, it would probably have to be Alex Cobb. Cobb is a solid No. 3 in any MLB rotation and that’s the kind of career Crowe could at least expect if he remains durable.
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