Phillies' Justin Crawford Impresses in Spring Training Debut

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Justin Crawford, the son of Rays legend Carl Crawford, has made a strong start to his first Spring Training with the Philadelphia Phillies. After going 2-for-3 with a double in his debut, Crawford followed up with a 0-for-3 performance, but the Phillies are encouraged by what they've seen so far from the young outfielder who is competing for the starting center field job.

Why it matters

The Phillies have been waiting for Crawford's arrival, as the team's current center fielder, Brandon Marsh, has regressed in recent years. Crawford's speed and potential make him an attractive option to take over the position, but his defense will be a key factor in determining if he's ready for the major leagues.

The details

Crawford has impressed with his bat so far, but his defense in center field remains a question mark. The Phillies will work to improve his routes and instincts in the outfield through hard work, as some of those skills are more natural than others. Over the next month of Spring Training, Crawford will look to prove he belongs in the major leagues, even if he doesn't get a hit every day.

• On February 24, 2026, Crawford went 2-for-3 with a double in his Spring Training debut.
• On February 27, 2026, Crawford went 0-for-3 in his second Spring Training start.

What’s next

Over the next month of Spring Training, Crawford will look to continue impressing the Phillies and solidify his spot as the team's starting center fielder.