Phillies Counting on Key Next Step from Justin Crawford

The son of former Rays star Carl Crawford looks to break camp as Philly's starting center fielder.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Philadelphia Phillies have been searching for their center fielder of the future, and they may have found their answer in Justin Crawford, the son of former Rays All-Star Carl Crawford. Crawford is a highly-touted prospect who is expected to break camp as the Phillies' starting center fielder, but the key to his success will be improving his defense, which has been a concern despite his elite speed.

Why it matters

The Phillies have lacked consistent production from the center field position in recent years, and Crawford represents their best chance to solidify that spot long-term. His development will be crucial as the team looks to build on their success and return to the playoffs.

The details

Crawford is an electric hitter who may have a bit more power than his dad, but his defense has been a concern. He worked this offseason to improve his routes and first step, training alongside three-time Gold Glove winner Eric Davis. The Phillies are hoping that with Davis' tutelage, Crawford can shore up that part of his game and become a well-rounded center fielder.

  • Crawford is expected to break camp as the Phillies' starting center fielder in 2026.

The players

Justin Crawford

A highly-touted prospect and the son of former Rays All-Star Carl Crawford, who is expected to be the Phillies' starting center fielder in 2026.

Carl Crawford

The former Rays All-Star and father of Justin Crawford.

Eric Davis

A three-time Gold Glove winner who has been working with Justin Crawford this offseason to help improve his defense.

Brandon Marsh

The Phillies' center fielder in 2025 who did not provide enough production, leading the team to turn to Justin Crawford as their center fielder of the future.

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What they’re saying

“It's largely expected that the younger Crawford will break camp as the Phillies' starting center fielder.”

— Jared Greenspan, MLB.com writer (MLB.com)

“It's worth watching how Crawford looks in center field, where a lot will be expected of him. Crawford often uses his elite speed to make up for subpar jumps, though he's worked this offseason to improve his routes and first step alongside three-time Gold Glove Award winner Eric Davis.”

— Jared Greenspan, MLB.com writer (MLB.com)

What’s next

The Phillies will be closely monitoring Justin Crawford's defensive progress in spring training as he looks to lock down the starting center field job.

The takeaway

The Phillies are banking on Justin Crawford, the son of former Rays star Carl Crawford, to be their long-term solution in center field. His development, particularly on the defensive side, will be crucial as the team looks to build on their recent success and return to the playoffs.