The Philadelphia Phillies are fresh off a surprise run to the World Series, and while they came up short losing to the Houston Astros in six games, the future is very bright in the “City of Brotherly Love.”
With Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, J.T. Realmuto and Aaron Nola leading the franchise, the belief is they’ll be fighting for NL pennants for years to come.
Especially when the Phillies talented pipeline of prospects are ready to join the big boys. One of those prospects is 2022 first-round pick and No.17 overall pick Justin Crawford, who’s currently ranked as the team’s No.3 prospect behind hurlers, Andrew Painter and Mick Abel.
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Justin Crawford Has Undeniable Pedigree
Crawford is the son of former MLB star Carl Crawford and a distant cousin to Seattle Mariners shortstop JP Crawford, so the lineage is there, and the former Bishop Gorman star seems to be ready to attack his development full speed ahead following a whirlwind, but solid shortened first season.
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Crawford Talks Being Drafted And Then Playing Almost Immediately
Meeting with reporters prior to his 2023 minor league debut with the Clearwater Threshers, the Phillies Single-A affiliate, the 19-year-old outfielder reflected on last summer, and how it came at him fast.
“The whole process was kind of hectic because once you get to draft day, you don’t know what’s going to happen,” Crawford said. “It was a whole bunch of excitement and nerves at the same time. But once everything was said and done, I couldn’t be happier going to Philadelphia.”
Crawford is currently batting .317 with 10 homers and 10 stolen bases and has shown a real knack for identifying pitches and making quality contact to all parts of the field.
His talent is undeniable, and it has Threshers manager Marty Malloy salivating over his star pupil.
“The talent, the ability, the speed, the excitement, it’s a lot of fun to watch. I wouldn’t want to be the opposing manager. … Seeing the growth with only one spring training, it’s been fun.”
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Crawford Settling In And Adjusting To Daily Nuances
When you dad is a former 15-year major leaguer, that in itself is an advantage most players just aren’t afforded, Justin knows that and doesn’t take it for granted.
He said he’s leaned heavily on his dad, and the most important thing he’s tried to make him understand is it’s a marathon not a sprint, and to take it one day at a time.
Easier said than done for a 19-year-old with the skillset of Crawford, but he’s also a very cerebral young player.
Crawford says he tries to find a “happy medium,” to balance the good and bad days.
“I feel like if I’m able to that, the season will go a lot smoother,” Crawford said. “You’ll play better, and it won’t be too much of an emotional roller coaster.”
Crawford joins a Phillies organization who’s best player Bryce Harper is from the Vegas area. As well as shortstop Bryson Stott who played at UNLV, which is near the Bishop Gorman campus.
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