Justin Crawford, a 22-year-old rookie, is the starting centerfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies. He showcases impressive speed and left-handed hitting skills.
Key points
Justin Crawford is 22 years old.
He is the starting centerfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Crawford is a left-handed hitter.
He showcases impressive speed.
Philadelphia PhilliesJustin Crawford
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Philadelphia Phillies' Justin Crawford in action during a baseball game, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
At just 22-years old, Justin Crawford is the starting centerfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies.
The left-handed hitting Crawford just turned 22 in January.
Flashing several outstanding tools, it is remarkable that a player as young as Crawford won a starting role on a contending baseball team.
But Crawford has the tools, and âmakeupâ that have allowed him to thrive as a professional baseball player.
Phillies Baseball Crawford
Philadelphia Phillies' Justin Crawford, the 17th pick of the MLB baseball draft, speaks with members of the media, Monday, July 25, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
About Justin Crawford:
At the start of the season, MLB.com ranked Crawford the third best prospect in the Phillies farm system.
Crawford was chosen out of Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, in the 1st round of the 2022 Major League Draft.
As a junior in high school, Crawford hit .525, with 20 stolen bases. As a senior, he hit .503 with five homers, and 20 stolen bases.
The son of former major league outfielder Carl Crawford, the younger Justin won the 2025 International League batting title, hitting .334, with a .411 on-base percentage at Triple-A Lehigh.
Crawford stole 46 bases last year, flashing the speed that makes him a threat on the bases.
Lehigh bench coach, Tank Anderson, told si.com, âHeâs just so athletic. Like, he does some stuff where youâll watch it and it doesnât always look super textbookâŠBut he has survival instincts, and his bat-to-ball skills are elite.
Crawfordâs Grade 75 speed, and his Grade 60 hit tool, are just two of the reasons the Phillies feel comfortable enough with Crawford to start in him in center.
Texas Rangers v Philadelphia Phillies
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 26: Justin Crawford #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies looks on during Opening Day against the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park on March 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
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Scouting Evaluation:
Crawford should bring an outstanding combination of a solid batting average, and game-changing speed to the Phillies lineup.
If he continues on he previous professional path, Crawford will impact games by stretching a single to a double, and possibly, a double to a triple. And heâll steal bases.
A good contact hitter, Crawford has the ability to put the ball in play, keeping his strikeouts to a minimum.
One of the concerns regarding Crawfordâs hitting profile has been his tendency to hit the ball on the ground. With his speed, thatâs isnât terribly negative. Still, the Phillies would probably like to see him get more loft on the ball, hitting the gaps for extra bases.
Much like his father, Crawford will be more of a âpestâ on offense, than a power threat. He may hit some home runs, but his game is based more on getting on base, potentially stealing, and scoring runs.
Currently, Crawford is hitting 9th in the Phillies lineup. However, he clearly profiles as a leadoff hitter, and that may eventually become his role.
Defensively, Baseball America states, âScouts see a player whose elite speed can help him make up for the late jumps and rough routes.â
Before the season began, ESPN.com reported Crawford said, â"I feel ready," Crawford told reporters earlier this week. "Iâm ready to go.â
Ready he was.
Before his first game, Justin took his mom to get a Philly Cheesesteak
Beef Prices Philly Cheesesteak
Beef cheesesteak are seen at Jim's South St. in Philadelphia, Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
. As msn.com said, My mom is a vegan. She walked in and asked for a cheesecake with no meat and they looked at her absolutely crazy.â
In fact, Crawford singled on the first pitch in his major league debut.
There is no question Justin Crawford inherited the talent and speed of his very successful father.
Now, Crawford has to relax and enjoy his opportunities as a 22-year-old Major League player.
Scouting Grade:60
An occasional Major League Baseball All Star with several quality tools.
Justin Crawford is a speedy, exciting rookie player with tremendous upside and a bright future with the Philadelphia Phillies.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
