Justin Crawford Cracks List of Top 100 MLB Prospects
Don’t look now, but there suddenly seems to be a decent amount of talent in the Phillies’ farm system. There was a large period of time when it felt like it was bereft of talent. Thanks, Matt Klentak. But things are looking better and better. Obviously, we all know about Andrew Painter, who entered the season as the top pitching prospect in baseball. But recently another name entered the pantheon of Phillies prospects in the Top 100. Justin Crawford.
The Phillies drafted Justin Crawford last season as the 17th overall pick. He came in with a pedigree for success, being the son of former All-Star Carl Crawford. And it was easy to see what the Phillies saw in him. Athletic, fast, with a plus hit tool, he has the look of an everyday outfielder, who puts up huge steal numbers.
He made his minor league debut last season and did not disappoint. Crawford stole 10 bases in just 16 games between Rookie Ball and Single-A. The batting average and the power numbers left a bit to be desired, but it was clear he had the type of tools to one day make the Major Leagues.
But this season, he has been on a tear in Single-A. The 19-year-old has a slash line of .345/.398/.460/.858 for Clearwater. He has no Home Runs yet, but he does have 10 doubles and 5 triples. That is to go with 31 stolen bases in 44 games. He nearly has more stolen bases than he has strikeouts. Not to mention he has been flashing the glove in Center Field.
Phillies first round pick Justin Crawford goes full extension — and thankfully doesn’t hurt himself — for a diving catch to give Wen Hui Pan a scoreless sixth inning pic.twitter.com/LvZfmVyFn5
— Mitch Rupert (@Mitch_Rupert) May 23, 2023
All of that is more than enough to catch the eye of Major League Scouts. Just this week he cracked the Top 100 prospects. MLB.com now officially lists him as the 100th-best prospect in baseball. That makes him the 3rd Phillies prospect in the Top 100 along with Andrew Painter (9) and Mick Abel (34). And if he keeps playing like this, he could continue to climb the rankings.
At 19, he likely is still a couple of years out from making it to the MLB. But we are seeing MLB prospects crack the league younger and younger. Andrew Painter was set to make his debut at 19 before an injury. He will likely be here at some point before he turns 21. Julio Rodriguez made it to the Big Leagues for the Mariners at 21. So if Justin Crawford keeps this level of play up, he could be playing at Citizens Bank Park earlier than expected.
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