Phillies Set to Offer Crawford Center Field Opportunity; Unlikely to Add Outfielder
The Philadelphia Phillies have solidified their outfield strategy for the upcoming season, emphasizing opportunities for younger talent. After signing Adolis Garcia to a one-year contract, team President Dave Dombrowski indicated that this addition might conclude their notable outfield changes for the winter.
New Opportunities in the Outfield
Garcia is expected to primarily occupy right field. Meanwhile, Brandon Marsh will likely take on the left field position against right-handed pitchers. The centerpiece of their strategy is 22-year-old Justin Crawford, who will be given a chance to claim the center field role.
Dombrowski expressed confidence in Crawford’s potential, stating, “If you’re going to give Crawford an opportunity, you’ve got to give it to him.” He emphasized that Crawford will receive substantial playing time as he aims to establish himself in the major leagues.
Crawford’s Impressive Prospects
Crawford, previously selected as the 17th overall pick in the 2022 draft, is recognized as one of the top prospects in baseball. He ranks 54th on MLB.com and 83rd on Baseball America’s prospect lists. His impressive minors performance included a .334 batting average with seven home runs and 46 stolen bases last season.
- Age: 22 (turning 23 next month)
- 2025 Minor League Stats: .334/.411/.452, 7 HR, 46 SB
- Walk Rate: 11.5%, nearly double from the previous season
- Strikeout Rate: 18%
Crawford’s defensive skill set is highlighted by his speed, which could enhance the Phillies’ outfield defense. His capacity to cover ground may address previous defensive issues the team faced in past seasons.
Defense Over Offense
The Phillies’ outfield reshuffle aims to prioritize defensive improvements rather than significant offensive upgrades. For context, the team previously relied heavily on Nick Castellanos, who is likely nearing the end of his tenure with Philadelphia. Castellanos is due $20 million in the final year of his five-year contract but has underperformed since joining the team.
Future Considerations
As the team looks ahead, Dombrowski mentioned the necessity to find a platoon partner for Marsh, who struggles against left-handed pitchers. The potential candidates include:
- Edmundo Sosa
- Weston Wilson
- Otto Kemp
- Johan Rojas
- Pedro Leon
While Sosa excelled against lefties last season, he mainly plays infield. Leon, despite limited major league experience, showed promise in the past. The team may explore free agent options like Randal Grichuk and Austin Slater for supplementary support.
Focus on Catching Position
Despite their outfield adjustments, the Phillies’ primary focus remains on solidifying their catching lineup. Dombrowski confirmed ongoing negotiations with J.T. Realmuto, with a desire to retain the catcher. If Realmuto signs elsewhere, the team may have to rely on lesser-known options like Rafael Marchan and Garrett Stubbs.
As the offseason progresses, the Phillies are anticipated to continue monitoring player trades and free agency, particularly to bolster areas of weakness as the 2026 season approaches.
