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Scouting Report
Updated May 19, 2026
Justin Crawford, 22-year-old Philadelphia Phillies rookie center fielder, is experiencing a paradoxical season. The 2022 17th overall pick possesses elite speed but is currently the worst defensive outfielder in MLB with -8 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and -3 Outs Above Average. Despite severe defensive struggles, the Phillies organization is committed to his long-term development, with interim manager Don Mattingly emphasizing patience and improvement potential. Crawford has shown offensive promise recently, hitting .371/.405/.571 over his last 11 games with his first career home run on May 9, 2026. He struggles against left-handed pitchers and has been benched in several matchups. The organization is prioritizing his growth over immediate statistical performance while he gains experience in center field.
Strengths
- + Elite speed among league leaders
- + Strong recent offensive performance (.371/.405/.571 over last 11 games)
- + First career home run demonstrates power potential
- + Positive arm rating (+1 for Arm)
- + Young age (22) with significant development runway
- + Organization's commitment to long-term growth
- + Multiple extra-base hits in recent stretch
- + Game-winning potential demonstrated
Weaknesses
- - Worst defensive metrics in MLB (-8 DRS)
- - Severe range issues (-3 grade for Range, 6th percentile OAA)
- - Poor ball tracking and positioning in center field
- - Struggles against left-handed pitchers (benched multiple times)
- - Phillies allowing .222 BABIP on fly balls/popups to center field
- - Inexplicable contrast between speed and defensive ability
- - Defensive instincts need significant development
- - Comparison to father Carl Crawford's defensive limitations
About
Justin Crawford is a center fielder for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Player Overview
CF
Philadelphia Phillies
Recent News
Phillies news: Alec Bohm, Justin Crawford, Zack Wheeler
May 18, 2026
Gregory Soto allowed three runs (two earned) in the ninth inning on Friday to blow a save against the Phillies.
May 15, 2026
Phillies News: Justin Crawford, Andrew Painter, Francisco Alvarez
May 14, 2026
Justin Crawford went 1-for-3 with his second career home run in the Phillies' loss to the Red Sox on Wednesday.
May 13, 2026
Bryson Stott went 2-for-3 with an RBI double and a steal against the Red Sox on Tuesday.
May 12, 2026