Phillies Pinning Hopes on Speedy Outfielder's Breakout Season

Rookie Justin Crawford set to take over starting center field job on Opening Day

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Philadelphia Phillies are banking on a big season from top prospect Justin Crawford, son of MLB All-Star Carl Crawford, as the team's new starting center fielder in 2026. Crawford, who hit .334 with an .863 OPS in Triple-A last year, is being trusted with the everyday job despite never having made his MLB debut. His production could be a major "X-factor" for the Phillies' postseason hopes, as the team looks to replace the departed Harrison Bader.

Why it matters

The Phillies are handing a key starting job to a rookie, which carries significant risk but also potential upside if Crawford is able to translate his minor league success to the big leagues. His performance in center field could have a major impact on the team's offense and playoff chances, as the Phillies look to build on their 2025 season.

The details

The Phillies lost several key players from their 2025 roster, including outfielder Harrison Bader. To replace Bader in center field, the team is turning to top prospect Justin Crawford, who hit .334 with an .863 OPS in Triple-A last season. Crawford, the son of former MLB All-Star Carl Crawford, has yet to make his MLB debut but the Phillies are fully trusting him with the everyday job starting on Opening Day.

  • Justin Crawford hit .334 with an .863 OPS in Triple-A in 2025.

The players

Justin Crawford

A top Phillies prospect who is set to take over the starting center field job on Opening Day in 2026, despite never having played in the major leagues.

Carl Crawford

Justin Crawford's father, a former MLB All-Star outfielder.

Harrison Bader

The outfielder the Phillies are replacing in center field after he departed the team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Like the Mets with (Carson) Benge, the Phillies are probably going to be handing a starting outfielder job to a prospect who has yet to make his MLB debut.”

— Kerry Miller, Bleacher Report Writer (Bleacher Report)

“If he struggles and it's up to Brandon Marsh, Adolis Garcia, and, I suppose, Otto Kemp... to carry this offense? Insert 'Michael Scott's brave fave grimace' gif here.”

— Kerry Miller, Bleacher Report Writer (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The Phillies will be closely monitoring Justin Crawford's performance in spring training as he looks to win the starting center field job for Opening Day.

The takeaway

The Phillies are taking a big risk by handing a key starting role to a prospect with no MLB experience, but if Crawford is able to translate his minor league success to the big leagues, he could be a major "X-factor" that helps propel the team to the playoffs.