Otters Sign McIntyre, Hansen and Hrbek

The Evansville Otters have signed right-handed pitchers Mitch McIntyre and Danny Hrbek and inked outfielder Mitch Hansen for the 2019 season.

Mitch McIntyre is from Wichita, Kan. and joins the Otters after a stint with the Milwaukee Brewers organization in 2018.

The right-hander spent 2018 with the Arizona rookie Brewers, posting a 1-0 record with a 2.41 ERA in 18 appearances. McIntyre also struck out 23 batters in 18.2 innings pitched.

“McIntyre should prove to be a quality starter as he came highly recommended by a trusted scout,” said Otters manager Andy McCauley. “And, his agent pitched for me in 1998 with Kalamazoo, which was a helpful connection in signing Mitch.”

“I’m excited to get going this season,” said McIntyre. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about the Otters and the Frontier League in helping me reach my goal, which is to get back into affiliated ball.”

McIntyre played collegiately at Wichita State, Iowa Western Community College, Indiana State and Tabor College. In his senior season with Tabor, McIntyre went 9-2 with a 3.82 ERA with 74 strikeouts in 77.2 innings pitched and 14 games started.

“We are looking forward to seeing his stuff this Spring, and his numbers last year should translate to success in the Frontier League,” said McCauley.

“I go out to the mound with the intention of striking out every batter that comes up to the plate, and I feel like I am able to accomplish that with all my pitches,” said McIntyre.

Danny Hrbek, an Allentown, Pa. native, joins the Otters after time spent in the Kansas City Royals organization. In 2017, Hrbek split time between Idaho Falls and Arizona League rookie teams in the Royals organization.

“Danny is a power arm that should figure into a late inning role,” said McCauley.

“I’m really excited to be joining the Otters, and after talking to Andy and many others and hearing all of the great things this organization has to offer, the decision to play here became pretty easy,” said Hrbek.

Hrbek played for the Lexington Legends in the South Atlantic League in 2018. For Lexington, Hrbek was 4-2 with a 4.50 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 24 appearances and 36.0 innings pitched.

“He needs some consistent work off the mound because he was a two-way player in college,” said McCauley. “He had great years with the Kansas City Royals organization and will benefit from working with Max Peterson (Otters pitching coach) to dedicate himself to pitching.”

“I’m a ‘blue collar’ baseball player,” said Hrbek. “I come to the park everyday prepared and ready to put in the work necessary to be successful. I’m an aggressive pitcher who’s going to go right after batters.”

Hrbek played collegiately at Radford University.

“I’m excited for this opportunity and what this season has in store for us,” said Hrbek.

Mitch Hansen, from Plano, Texas, joins the Otters after affiliated time with the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees organizations. Hansen was drafted in the second round of the 2015 MLB Amateur Draft by the Dodgers out of high school.

“Mitch comes from a trusted agent who has sent me many good players in the past,” said McCauley. “We were interested in him last year before he was signed by the Yankees.”

“I have heard nothing but great things about the team and fan base,” said Hansen. “I’m excited to play for the Otters this year.”

In 2018, Hansen split time between the Great Lakes Loons of the Dodgers organization and the Charleston RiverDogs of the Yankees organization. Combined, Hansen batted .210 with 16 extra-base hits, 20 RBIs, and 22 runs in 72 games.

“Mitch figures to be a middle of the lineup player, and we are looking forward to working with him as is Bobby Segal (Otters hitting coach),” said McCauley.

“I am a player that never takes one pitch off,” said Hansen. “I strive to be a tough out in the middle of the lineup.”

The Otters will open the 25th season celebration against the Southern Illinois Miners on May 10 at Bosse Field.