In a significant move for the upcoming 2024 baseball season, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs have reinforced their pitching staff by re-signing right-handed pitcher Spencer Johnston and bringing on board Cody Thompson, also a right-handed pitcher formerly of Randolph-Macon. This strategic decision aims to strengthen the team’s performance with these latest additions, as announced by the club.
Spencer Johnston, 25, from Arlington, Texas, is set for his second stint with the Blue Crabs. Last season, Johnston showcased his talents across three different teams, notably making his mark with the Blue Crabs where he delivered an impressive performance. With 71.1 innings pitched for the team, Johnston not only led in innings pitched but also achieved a commendable Earned Run Average (ERA) of 3.66. During his time last season, he started 11 games, completed one game, and recorded a win-loss ratio of 5-3. Johnston, who embarked on his professional career in 2022, had previously achieved a career-best ERA of 2.79 with Joliet in the Frontier League, reflecting his potential and capability on the mound.
Joining Johnston in bolstering the Blue Crabs’ pitching lineup is 27-year-old Cody Thompson. With three professional seasons under his belt, Thompson is stepping into the Southern Maryland setup following his most successful season yet with Missoula in the Pioneer League. There, he notched a 3.23 ERA and an impressive 6-1 win-loss record, underlining his ability to significantly contribute to his team’s successes. Throughout his career, Thompson has demonstrated a consistent ability to strike out opponents, achieving over eight strikeouts per nine innings as a reliever. His standout performance in 2021 with Gateway, where he struck out 43 hitters in 43.1 innings, further attests to his skill. Thompson, hailing from Mechanicsville, VA, has displayed versatility throughout his career, taking on roles as a starter, reliever, and closer during his college tenure with the Yellow Jackets.
With these signings, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs have now announced a total of 15 player signings in the offseason, signaling their intent to field a competitive team for the 2024 season. The team is looking forward to Opening Day, scheduled for April 25th, when they will face off against Gastonia, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting season. The Blue Crabs’ fans and the wider baseball community will be keen to see how these strategic signings translate into performance on the field, with high expectations for both Johnston and Thompson to make significant contributions to the team’s success.
