The Phillies have been searching for stability in center field for a while now, and they just might have their answer in Justin Crawford. The 22-year-old outfield prospect has the tools, the pedigree, and now-thanks to a focused offseason-the mentorship to make a real impact at the major league level. But while the bat has been loud, it’s his glove that’s under the microscope.
Let’s start with what we know: Crawford can hit. He wrapped up the 2025 season with a .334/.411/.452 slash line and an .863 OPS-numbers that not only turned heads but led the entire International League in batting average.
Add in 46 stolen bases (good for third in the league), and you’ve got a dynamic offensive profile built around elite speed and contact skills. That’s a pretty enticing combo, especially for a team looking to lock down a premium defensive position.
But the question isn’t whether Crawford can play in the big leagues-it’s whether he can play center field at a high level. That’s where the Phillies are betting on growth.
This offseason, Crawford took a proactive step to address the one area that’s held him back: his defense. He spent time in Phoenix, Arizona, working with three-time Gold Glove center fielder Eric Davis.
That’s no small move. Davis wasn’t just a great fielder-he was one of the most instinctive outfielders of his era.
For a young player like Crawford, that kind of mentorship is invaluable.
Crawford’s main challenge has been his reads off the bat. His speed has often masked some of those initial missteps, allowing him to recover and still make plays.
But at the MLB level, the margin for error shrinks fast. Davis has reportedly helped Crawford refine his first step and improve his routes to the ball.
If those adjustments stick, Crawford’s speed becomes a luxury instead of a lifeline. That’s a big shift-and one that could turn him from a question mark into a cornerstone.
The Phillies have cycled through center field options for years, never quite finding the long-term fit. Crawford has a chance to change that.
He’s got the offensive upside to justify keeping him in center, even if the defense takes time to catch up. And while the corner outfield spots might offer a softer landing, the Phillies are clearly hoping he can anchor the middle of the outfield for years to come.
Drafted 17th overall back in 2022, Crawford’s path through the minors has mirrored the steady rise of his father, Carl Crawford, a four-time All-Star and one of the best base stealers of his era. Like his dad, Justin brings electrifying speed and athleticism to the field-but his journey is his own. And while there are still growing pains to work through, the Phillies are giving him the runway to develop.
Spring training will offer the next look at how far Crawford’s defense has come. He doesn’t need to be perfect out of the gate.
What matters is that he’s putting in the work and closing the gap between potential and performance. If he can do that, the Phillies may finally have their answer in center field-not just for Opening Day, but for the long haul.