The Philadelphia Phillies head to MLB Spring Training looking to defend the NL East crown for the third consecutive season, and they’ll be bringing one of the most exciting outfield prospects in the game.
All eyes will be on Justin Crawford, the 17th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, when the Phillies begin their spring schedule on Saturday, February 21, against the Toronto Blue Jays. A Spring Training preview from Jared Greenspan of MLB.com highlighted the top 15 hitters to watch as game action gets underway. Crawford came in at No. 3 on the list, behind fellow top prospects JJ Wetherholt of the St. Louis Cardinals and Carson Benge of the New York Mets.
Crawford is among the highest-ranked players in the Phillies’ minor league system. He’ll compete for a spot in the outfield this spring for a team with title aspirations.
Philadelphia Phillies Prospect Justin Crawford Has Strong Pedigree, Big Upside
Crawford is the son of Carl Crawford, a 15-year MLB veteran who spent time with the Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers. The four-time All-Star wrapped up his playing career in 2016. He’ll now give way to the next generation, with his son primed for a big-league role.
The 22-year-old Crawford dominated minor league pitching in his first full professional season, slashing .332/.392/.467 in 2023. He stole 47 bases across two stops. Crawford hit .301 in 70 games at High-A in 2024, earning a promotion to Double-A. He posted a 135 wRC+ after joining Reading.
Crawford spent the entire 2025 campaign at Triple-A. He was unfazed by the bump in competition, recording a .863 OPS while racking up 46 stolen bases. The speedster has swiped at least 42 bags in all three of his full seasons in the minors.
Crawford Pushing For Center Field Job in Big Leagues
Crawford arrived at Spring Training early to begin his quest to lock down the center field spot. He’s in Clearwater, Florida, as a non-roster invitee, but he’ll be given a chance to compete for an everyday role with the Phillies.
Philadelphia got decent production out of the position last year. The club’s center fielders ranked 12th in OPS. Harrison Bader led the way with an .828 mark, followed by Brandon Marsh at .745. Bader signed with the San Francisco Giants in free agency, so he’s out of the equation. Marsh is ticketed for the left field job with Max Kepler no longer on the team. Free agent signee Adolis Garcia will step into the right field role vacated by Nick Castellanos.
Crawford is left to battle Johan Rojas for the majority of center field reps. Rojas has provided strong production as a defender, including 14 Defensive Runs Saved when he debuted in 2023, but he’s struggled at the plate. The 25-year-old has a 74 wRC+ across 699 plate appearances at the highest level.
Marsh could also slide to center with one of the utility players covering left field. Edmundo Sosa and Otto Kemp would be the main candidates in that iteration of the lineup, particularly against left-handed pitching. The club has been hesitant to use Marsh against southpaws, so if Crawford could hold his own in those situations, he could be the one who remains in the lineup against lefties.
Phillies Top Prospect Labeled ‘Must-Watch’ Hitter This Spring