PROSPECT: Justin Crawford, OF, Philadelphia Phillies
ANALYSIS: Justin Crawford was drafted in the first round last season by the Phillies with some significant marks in his favor in his background. First, he was a "legacy" player, as his father is former four-time All-Star Carl Crawford. He also attended Bishop Gorman High School, which has produced former Rookie of the Year Marty Cordova and two-time All-Star Joey Gallo.
The outfielder was considered one of the elite raw athletes in the entire 2022 draft. The Phillies let him get his feet wet in full-season ball at the very end of 2022 for a handful of games. He returned to Clearwater to open the 2023 season.
So far, Crawford has shown off that elite athleticism on the basepaths, stealing 33 bases in 37 attempts. He's also shown a strong eye at the plate, limiting strikeouts while making good contact for a .339/.388/.451 line. The big concern is when he'll tap into over-the-fence power as he's stung the ball well enough to turn in 16 extra-base hits over 49 games.
VERDICT: Crawford's an elite talent, but he's still a ways off. He's likely not a viable threat to the Phils' roster until 2026 at the earliest. He's definitely a guy who should be owned in every deep dynasty league, but rostering him in a shallow dynasty league should weigh his ETA as part of that consideration.
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