Reggie
Crawford

2022 MLB Draft: Athletic and large-framed at 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, Crawford was known more for his hitting (13 HR in 2021) than pitching for the Huskies. However, last summer he touched 100 mph in the Cape Cod League and was soon after added to the USA Collegiate National Team. With the CNT he showed electric stuff, striking out nine in five innings, while allowing just one hit. And his velocity continued to sit in the upper-90s. However, back on campus he underwent Tommy John surgery in early November. When healthy, Crawford throws loose and easy left-handed cheddar from a three-quarter slot, and there's more in the tank. It's also the high-spin heat (2500-2600+ rpm) that clubs now drool for. He further separates himself by consistently landing a low-80s breaking ball that will show plus. It's a profile that pre-surgery could have been considered for the top picks in this year's draft and is now somewhat of a wild card, but likely to be no later than early in the second round.

Athletic and large-framed at 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, Crawford is currently known more for his hitting talents where he slashed (.295/.349/.543) with 13 home runs for the Huskies. He pitched just 7.2 innings (with 17 strikeouts) for UConn this spring and so far this summer he’s shown electric stuff for the CNT, striking out nine in five innings, while allowing just one hit. He was up to 96 during his one inning stint in Pulaski (Va.) and up to 99 for Aaron Fitt during Monday night’s game against the professional Team USA, when he sat 97-98. Crawford throws loose and easy left-handed cheddar from a three-quarter slot, and there’s more in the tank. It’s also the high-spin heat (2500-2600+ rpm) that clubs now drool for. He further separates himself by consistently landing a low-80s breaking ball. It’s a profile that could be considered at 1-1 for the 2022 draft.

LHP/1B, Connecticut recruit and legitimate two-way prospect. He’s made obvious strength gains since last summer and has a long, athletic and projectable frame with big, strong hands and broad shoulders. On Monday against Blue Mountain HS, PA, Crawford was playing first base. In the cage before the game, he showed a balanced, compact swing.

(Jupiter) - The Connecticut recruit, was a relative unknown heading into the summer as his accolades as a talented swimmer outpaced his notoriety on the diamond. However, his 6-foot-4, 206-pound frame and strong left arm were hard to miss on the summer circuit, and warranted the throngs of golf carts parked behind the backstop for his outing. Crawford began the stint working 88-91 with a fastball that delivered out of a near ¾ slot with quickness out front. His athleticism allows him to repeat the slot while working fastballs to the bottom of the zone, and while there is some rawness to his work on the mound, his ceiling is clearly high, and he will likely throw even harder in the future. His breaking ball was inconsistent at 68-72, but when thrown at its best showed signs of being an average pitch in the future with multi-tier break and 2/8 shape. Crawford is one of the more intriguing prospects in the class given his relatively low mileage, athleticism, and impressive arm strength.

(Area Code Tryouts) - Uncommitted. I did not get to see Crawford pitch, but based on the smoothness he showed at first base and at the plate, he likely will have a chance to be a two-way player. He was excellent around the base with soft hands and natural footwork. At the dish, the left-handed hitter was calm and relaxed while working slightly uphill through the zone with a controlled, athletic swing that produced consistent line drives.