Justin Crawford Not Ready to Play Center Field?
Justin Crawford can play an average big-league center field, and many rival evaluators agree that he is better in left field, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic. There is more long-term upside from Crawford, but he could rate below Brandon Marsh in center field right now. Crawford's offensive skill set is tailored for center field, so Gelb suggests the Phillies "might have to close their eyes and let it happen." If the 21-year-old can handle center, it would allow the team to use Marsh in the strong side of a platoon in either left or right field. Crawford is listed as the Phils' No. 3 prospect at MLB Pipeline, and he's in line to make his major-league debut in 2026 after slashing a strong .334/.411/.452 with seven home runs and 46 stolen bases at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Crawford could be a part-time corner outfielder at first, but there's time for him to develop better defensive skills to fit center.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb
The Philadelphia Phillies aren't convinced that outfield prospect Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb

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