The Philadelphia Phillies are preparing to make a significant change in their outfield lineup by replacing Brandon Marsh with the promising prospect Justin Crawford as their future center fielder. With the 2025 season unfolding and uncertainty surrounding Marsh and Johan Rojas in center field, the Phillies aim to secure a long-term solution by promoting Crawford from Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Young Prospect Justin Crawford Emerges as a Leading Candidate
The Phillies have struggled to find a consistent presence in center field for several years, a position that has seen many players come and go since Shane Victorino’s tenure from 2008 to 2013. According to Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report, Justin Crawford stands out as by far the best option for the team moving forward. Crawford, the son of former MLB outfielder Carl Crawford, has impressed at the Triple-A level with a notable .349 batting average through 212 at-bats. He also boasts 26 RBIs and 23 stolen bases, showcasing a strong combination of contact hitting and speed.
Despite these impressive offensive numbers, Crawford’s power remains limited. Throughout 2025, he has recorded only one home run and maintains a low average launch angle of negative nine degrees, indicating a tendency to hit primarily ground balls. Nonetheless, his ability to consistently get on base and his elite speed make him a valuable addition, particularly compared to other options in the Phillies’ outfield.
Comparing Crawford with Current Center Field Options
While Johan Rojas is known for his exceptional defense and speed, Crawford offers a similarly strong skill set but with a considerable edge in hitting performance. In contrast, Brandon Marsh has struggled offensively, batting just .244 this season after a slow start, which raises questions about his future role on the team. Although Marsh is a left-handed hitter who can serve as a platoon option, the overall contribution from Crawford seems more promising.
Reuter highlights that while it is not explicitly stated who would lose their position to make room for Crawford, Marsh appears to be the likely candidate due to his underwhelming performance and limited upside compared to Rojas and Crawford. Bringing Crawford up to the majors would essentially upgrade the Phillies’ center field by adding a more dynamic and productive player.
What the Promotion of Crawford Means for the Phillies’ Outfield
If the Phillies move forward with promoting Crawford, it would mark a significant step for the 21-year-old prospect. His success at Triple-A cannot be overlooked, and this call-up could provide much-needed stability and offensive boost to a central defensive position that has been unsettled. Additionally, Crawford’s blend of speed and hitting ability could have a positive impact on the Phillies’ overall lineup dynamics.
Securing a reliable center fielder is crucial for the team’s long-term plans, especially as they look to strengthen their outfield defense and make a push in upcoming seasons. With Crawford’s skill set and potential, the Phillies may have finally found their answer to years of inconsistency in center field.
“Center field has been a revolving door for the Philadelphia Phillies since Shane Victorino was patrolling the position from 2008-2013,”
—Joel Reuter, Bleacher Report
“But they might have a long-term answer in the form of rising prospect Justin Crawford.”
—Joel Reuter, Bleacher Report