Buckle up, Phillies fans – Justin Crawford could very well be the star stealing bases and grabbing fly balls in the outfield when spring training kicks off!
LAS VEGAS — Picture this: the Philadelphia Phillies' lineup might soon include the name Justin Crawford right there in the outfield for opening day. And if that sounds exciting, get ready for the details.
In one of the clearest statements yet about the Phillies' plans to potentially slot Crawford into the starting nine — maybe even as the center fielder — following spring training, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski declared on Tuesday that the highly touted prospect has a "real strong chance" of making the big-league squad.
"We're providing him with this golden opportunity," Dombrowski explained from the general managers' meetings at The Cosmopolitan. "We believe he can handle center field effectively. Will that turn out to be our optimal arrangement moving forward? That's something we can't predict with certainty — it all depends on various factors. But we're totally at ease if we decide to put him out there as our center fielder."
For context, center field is often considered the most demanding position in the outfield, requiring speed, agility, and strong defensive skills to cover a wide area and catch those deep flies.
» READ MORE: Dave Dombrowski reveals he had a chat with Bryce Harper following remarks that left the Phillies slugger feeling uneasy (https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/phillies-dave-dombrowski-talked-bryce-harper-general-managers-meetings-20251111.html)
Crawford, who'll turn 22 next season, delivered an impressive performance this year at Lehigh Valley, posting a .334 batting average — meaning he got a hit in over a third of his at-bats — along with a .411 on-base percentage (which is a key stat showing how often he reached base safely, including via walks) and a whopping 46 stolen bases. He even claimed the International League batting title and topped all Phillies minor leaguers with 147 hits.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Phillies chose to keep Crawford in the minors (triple-A) for the entire season, opting instead to rely on Max Kepler in left field, despite Kepler's early struggles, and acquiring Harrison Bader via trade to man center field during the summer.
Now, the strategy has shifted. Kepler and Bader are both free agents this offseason. Just last month, Dombrowski indicated that Kepler won't be returning. Meanwhile, Bader is reportedly aiming for a lucrative multiyear deal elsewhere on the open market.
Internally, the Phillies have been pondering whether Crawford is better suited for center field or left. Crawford saw more action in left field toward the end of the season after Johan Rojas headed back to the minors. Yet, minor league director Luke Murton is a vocal supporter of placing him in center.
"We have immense confidence in his center field abilities," Murton stated back in September. "It's simply about giving him experience in left field too, since he's had less time there over his career. That way, if he's called up to the majors and needs to play left, he'll be fully ready.
But here's the part most people miss... As an organization, we view him primarily as a center fielder."
Ultimately, the Phillies' outfield configuration will hinge on how they address the other positions. Brandon Marsh excels defensively in left field more than center, while right fielder Nick Castellanos seems unlikely to return after being benched in June for clashing with manager Rob Thomson and losing his regular role in August.
"It would certainly be the simpler path," Dombrowski noted regarding deploying Crawford in center, "though I'm not sure about our other avenues or possibilities. Should we pursue someone who's a strong corner outfielder? Or maybe another center fielder? What truly optimizes our team?
Nevertheless, we feel secure with him in either spot."
Shifting gears to free agency updates... Dombrowski emphasized the Phillies' desire to re-sign Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, both of whom entered free agency on November 2. (https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/kyle-schwarber-free-agency-teams-sign-contract-rumors-20251031.html)
"The timeline is more in their hands than ours," he said. "They know we're interested, and it's up to them to signal when they're prepared to proceed — whenever that moment arrives."
Reflecting on his long career in MLB front offices, which started in 1978, Dombrowski observed that the approach to free agency timing has evolved dramatically.
"Back in the day, if not every single one, nearly all free agents aimed to be signed by the holidays," he recalled. "They wanted to know their destination, their spring training location, everything sorted out by Christmas. But that's all changed now, with deals sometimes not finalized until right before spring training. The landscape has transformed."
» READ MORE: Dave Dombrowski plans to part ways with Nick Castellanos. Could a trade involving Nolan Arenado be on the table? (https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/dave-dombrowski-nick-castellanos-contract-trade-nolan-arenado-20251111.html)
Dombrowski stressed that the Phillies are approaching this winter with an "open-minded" stance toward the market. He cited last offseason's acquisition of Jesús Luzardo as a prime example. Initially, starting pitching wasn't a top priority for the Phillies, but Luzardo's arrival was seen as a chance to bolster the team.
"We're in a fortunate position with numerous options available, thanks to our free agents, and we're always striving for improvement," Dombrowski explained. "... So, we're keeping an open mind, since we can't predict what will unfold with our current players. Plus, we have the financial flexibility to explore other avenues if needed.
If we don't re-sign them, we can still invest in other talent. We'll evaluate all possibilities to determine what best strengthens us."
Finally, on the manager of the year front... Rob Thomson came in third in the National League voting, trailing the Brewers' Pat Murphy (who won for the second consecutive year after guiding Milwaukee to the league's top record in 2025) and the Reds' Terry Francona.
This award is determined post-season by Baseball Writers' Association members, and Thomson earned one first-place vote.
What do you think, fans? Is promoting a young prospect like Crawford over seasoned vets the right move for the Phillies, or should they splurge on free agents? And here's a controversial take: Maybe the team is undervaluing experience in the outfield — do you agree or disagree? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
