Jonathan Crawford: Prospect Profile for Detroit Tigers' 1st-Round Pick

Player: Jonathan Crawford

Position: RHP

Drafted by: Detroit Tigers (No. 20 Overall)

DOB: 11/1/1991 (Age: 21)

Height/Weight: 6’2”/205 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

School: Florida

Previously Drafted: 2010: Marlins (42nd round)

 

Background

After appearing in only five games during his freshman year, Crawford established himself as one of the top college arms in the nation as a sophomore. Working 77.2 innings over 19 games for the Gators, the right-hander registered a 3.13 ERA with 73 strikeouts and 24 walks.

However, Crawford’s shining moment came in the first game of the Gainesville Regional, when he fired a no-hitter against Bethune-Cookman and showcased an electric fastball-slider combination.

As a result, the right-hander entered the 2013 season as surefire first-round draft pick, possibly even a top-10 selection. Since then, though, Crawford’s stock has been on the decline due to decreased fastball velocity and inconsistent command. Overall, he finished his junior campaign with a 3-6 record, 4.03 ERA and 64/33 K/BB in 80.3 innings.

Although his performance this season has raised a host of questions about Crawford’s future role and ceiling, his raw arm strength and swing-and-miss slider should result in a selection on the first day of the draft.

 

Full Scouting Report

Note: Numerical scores are on the conventional 80-point scouting scale, with the current score first and projected score second.

Body/Mechanics:

Some strength and athleticism to 6’2”, 205-pound frame; lacks durability; wiry arm; effort to his delivery; tends to wrap arm; creates natural deception; inconsistent use of lower half; needs to elongate stride; lack of extension towards plate places stress on shoulder.

 

Fastball: 55/65

Hasn’t showcased the same mid-90s velocity that he did in 2012; still has some late life in 90-93 mph range; bumps 95 mph; poor command of pitch; stressful delivery and arm action impede his ability to locate.

 

Slider: 55/60

Best pitch in mid-80s; currently above-average but will flash plus at times; has legitimate feel for offering; thrown with velocity; comfortable using it in any count; good depth and tilt; likely swing-and-miss offering with refinement at the next level.

 

Changeup: 40/50

Fringy; rarely thrown; lacks feel; will be crucial to his potential development as a starter.

Control: 40/50

Throws strikes with fastball and slider; can be effectively wild at times; control problems stem from mechanical issues; room to improve if he adds strength.

 

Command: 40/45

Inconsistent fastball command; throws strikes but is too hittable; unable to pitch off fastball; relies on slider; won’t have success up in the zone as a professional; average command of breaking ball.

 

MLB Player Comparison: Andrew Cashner

Projection: No. 3 starter ceiling; late-inning reliever floor.

 

MLB ETA: 2016 (starter) or late 2014 (reliever)

 

Chances of Signing: 75%