Philadelphia Phillies prospect Justin Crawford will be must-see baseball during Grapefruit League games.
Spring Training is about seeing MLB’s stars back on the field as they get ready for the new regular season, but it’s also a time for young players to step into the spotlight and show their organization they have what it takes to be a part of the big-league team.
Jared Greenspan of MLB.com recently put together a list of 15 must-watch hitters during spring training, and one of the Philadelphia Phillies’ top prospects made it on his list: Justin Crawford.
"Philadelphia is following a similar blueprint with Crawford, the organization’s third-ranked prospect (No. 53 overall) and, yes, the son of four-time All-Star Carl Crawford. It’s largely expected that the younger Crawford will break camp as the Phillies’ starting center fielder," wrote Greenspan.
"It’s worth watching how Crawford looks in center field, where a lot will be expected of him. Crawford often uses his elite speed to make up for subpar jumps, though he’s worked this offseason to improve his routes and first step alongside three-time Gold Glove Award winner Eric Davis."
Feb 25, 2025; Port Charlotte, Florida, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Justin Crawford (80) breaks his bat as he reaches on a fielders choice against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fourth inning at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn ImagesEven though Crawford isn’t technically on Philadelphia’s 40-man roster as training camp begins, center field appears to be his job to lose come Opening Day.
There are definitely some questions and concerns with Crawford’s defense in center field, but that’s not what the Phillies are hoping to get out of the 21-year-old. Philadelphia believes now is the time when the left-handed hitter can provide a true boost for the team’s lineup.
Crawford spent the entire 2025 Minor League season at Triple-A and did nothing but impress at the plate. He finished the season with a .334/.411/.452 salshline, including 23 doubles and seven home runs. Crawford still has some development to do with his power, but he clearly has a great eye at the plate and solid contact numbers, too.
Growing pains are inevitable for Crawford as he prepares for his rookie season, but how he performs in the Cactus League could be a good indication of what type of production Philadelphia can expect from the rookie early in the year.
With the Phillies currently in win-now mode and seemingly planning to start a 22-year-old in their lineup, it’s easy to see why Crawford was named one of MLB’s must-see hitters throughout the spring.
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