“What I Most Bring To The Table Is My Speed” | MLB Draft Prospect Justin Crawford Comes From Strong MLB Pedigree

Bishop Gorman High School baseball star Justin Crawford was recently named the school’s Male Athlete of the Year. The No.13 ranked prospect on the Top 200 Draft Prospect List is a future first-round pick in the upcoming MLB Draft.

He’s also the son of former MLB player Carl Crawford. The elder Crawford was also known for his speed, which helped him become a 4X All-Star and 4X American League stolen base leader during his career.

 So basically, the proverbial apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Speed kills and the Crawfords have plenty of it. Being the son of Carl Crawford put a ton of added pressure on Justin, but this past year he seemed to step out of the shadow of dad and into his own.

 Crawford’s play this past season was outstanding. The elite outfielder displayed a great glove, speed and a potent bat for Gorman. Crawford batted .484, with five home runs, 40 RBIs and 17 stolen bases during the regular season. His .553 on-base percentage with 150 plate appearances was the best in the state of Nevada this past season.

 

 When asked about his great season, here’s what the younger JC told reporters.

 “I think what I most bring to the table is my speed. It’s something I’m able to change the game with.”

 Crawford Is An LSU Commit: But Could He Turn Pro?

 

 

If Crawford gets drafted high enough, he will probably forgo his collegiate career and join the minors right away. Many early mock drafts actually had him going to the Tampa Bay Rays with the 29th pick.

 The same team his dad reached four All-Star games and a World Series as member of. But the mock draft following the first ever MLB Combine has him going ninth to the Kansas City Royals.

 

Crawford is pretty low key and just grateful for his upbringing and the training he’s received to get him to this point in his professional life.

 “I was fortunate to have a great training program growing up. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve just progressively gotten better.”

 Royals Intrigued By Crawford: Could Take Him Ninth

 The Royals are looking to upgrade their team speed and Crawford would immediately give them a jolt in that area. For a franchise with a promising farm system, outfielders are scarce and especially centerfielders. Kauffman Stadium, home of the Royals possesses one baseball’s biggest and toughest centerfields to man, but Crawford would do just fine with his elite speed and range.

 

 

While Crawford doesn’t present the biggest or best bat as it pertains to power, most analysts project him to be a 17-22 homer guy for his career. That will come when he gets more time and development on how to drive the baseball to all parts of the field.

 Justin stands 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds, so his lanky build doesn’t project as a guy who’ll hit a ton of homers. But his speed will throw fear into opposing defenses and pitchers, who know once he’s on-base he can provide nightmares for the opposition.  Sort of like his daddy.