Phillies Top Prospect Justin Crawford Could Make Debut 'Soon'
However, a few other players in the Phillies' prospect system could make their debut sometime soon.
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One of those players is Justin Crawford, a left-handed hitting outfielder who has proven throughout his time in professional baseball that he has the tools to be an above-average big league player.
Only 21 years old after being selected in the first round of the 2022 MLB draft, Crawford, a product of Bishop Gorman, has continued to swing the bat at a high level this season, hitting .318 in Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Justin Crawford (80) runs home to score against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fourth inning at Charlotte Sports Park.Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
His power numbers haven't been great during his time in the minor leagues, but Crawford does everything else at a high level and has the tools to change the game with his speed and defense.
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Factor that in with his above-average batting average, above-average OPS, and Crawford should be somebody the Phillies lean on over the next decade.
According to CBS News Philadelphia's Jeff Kerr, there isn't a rush to get him to the big leagues, but he added that the time will come soon for Crawford.
'There is no rush to get Crawford to the big leagues, even though he's accelerating that clock with every passing hit. Crawford could be the Phillies' center fielder at some point this season, but that talk has died down with the improved play of Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas, who currently occupy the position for the big league club...
'That time will come for Crawford soon,' he wrote.
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If the Phillies deal with an injury to Brandon Marsh or Johan Rojas, he seems like the next one in line to potentially get a chance. Whether it be a long-term chance remains to be seen, but it'd be surprising to see the Phillies bring him up for a spot start without guaranteeing that he can have long-term at-bats.
Related: Phillies Trade Idea Replaces Beloved Outfielder With 30 Home Run All-Star Slugger
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