The Philadelphia Phillies are considering changes to their outfield ahead of the 2026 season, with Justin Crawford emerging as a strong candidate for a roster spot during Spring Training. Crawford, who is ranked as the club’s No. 3 prospect and No. 54 overall by MLB, has made significant progress in the Minor Leagues and could benefit from the expected departure of right fielder Nick Castellanos.
“We have some young players that we’re going to mesh into our club,” said Dave Dombrowski, Phillies president of baseball operations, in an interview with MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki in October. “I’m not going to declare that anybody has a job, but there will be some people that we’re really open minded to be on the big league club next year coming out of Spring Training … [Crawford] needs to go to camp and just do what he’s basically been doing.”
Crawford was selected by the Phillies in the first round (17th overall) of the 2022 draft from Las Vegas. He has shown notable plate discipline and speed throughout his Minor League career, maintaining a .322 batting average and .385 on-base percentage while striking out at an 18.4 percent rate. In Triple-A last season, he hit .334 with 46 stolen bases and posted an .863 OPS.
His standout attribute is his speed, graded at 75 on scouting scales. This ability influences both his offensive approach and baserunning, making him a consistent threat on the basepaths—he has stolen more than 40 bases in each of his three full professional seasons with an 82 percent success rate.
Offensively, Crawford focuses on contact hitting and uses all fields effectively. Adjustments to his stance have increased his power potential slightly; over the past two seasons he has recorded 48 doubles, eight triples, and 16 home runs.
However, there are questions about whether Crawford will develop enough power for a corner outfield position—where many believe he fits best defensively—even though his offensive profile is more typical for center fielders. His swing tends toward ground balls despite improvements in recent years.
Comparisons have been drawn between Justin Crawford and his father Carl Crawford—a four-time All-Star known for speed rather than power—who played primarily left field during his Major League career.
Dombrowski indicated that Crawford will get an opportunity to compete for a roster spot this spring but noted that team decisions could still affect where he plays or if he makes the Opening Day roster. The outcome may depend on whether free agent Kyle Schwarber re-signs with Philadelphia; if not, additional moves could alter how quickly Crawford secures a regular role.
