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.
More Fantasy Baseball Analysis
Jasson Dominguez - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 7)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 10+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 25% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The New York Yankees are taking a cautious approach with Jasson Dominguez, their No. 1 prospect for 2024 on MLB Pipeline, on the outfielder's way back from late-season Tommy John surgery in 2023. There was some initial hope after undergoing the procedure that... Read More
Gregory Soto - Closers and Saves Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 2% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Gregory Soto picked up the save this past Wednesday in a 2-1 victory over the Angels, which was his second save of the year. Notably, Jose Alvarado pitched the eighth inning, giving way to Soto in the ninth. Technically speaking, Alvarado's task was... Read More
Shane Baz - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 7)
BALLER MOVE: Stash in Deeper Leagues CALL-UP ETA: June ANALYSIS: One of our favorite pitching prospects is Shane Baz. Depending on where you look, Baz has graduated off lists that use service time, but he's still under the 50-inning threshold and worthy of discussing in an article such as this. After missing all of 2023 due... Read More
Alex Lange - Closers and Saves Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Adds
BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 44% of Leagues ANALYSIS: After recording 26 saves for the Detroit Tigers in 2023 as the team's primary closer, Alex Lange was expected to be the team's closer heading into 2024. A somewhat rough spring for Lange prompted manager A.J. Hinch to use Jason Foley in the... Read More
Joe Kelly - Closers and Saves Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Analysis (Week 7)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12-14+ Team Leagues / NL-Only Leagues ROSTERED IN: 3% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Los Angeles Dodgers closer Evan Phillips (hamstring) was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sunday with a Grade 1 hamstring injury. Although Phillips is expected to remain sidelined only for a minimum stint, several save opportunities will now be... Read More
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!