Phillies’ J.P. Crawford Moved Up in MLB Prospect Rankings
The Phillies farm system seems to be on the up.
In a recent update to his Top 25 prospect list, Keith Law ranked shortstop J.P. Crawford fourth in the league.
At the start of the 2015 season, Law originally had Crawford ranked seventh, but moved him up three spots in just two months.
Crawford, 20, started the season on the disabled list with an oblique injury, but has returned to the field on fire compiling a .382 batting average in 18 games with Advanced 'A' Clearwater.
Crawford was drafted out of high school with the 16th overall pick in the 2013 draft and burst onto the scene last year in his first full season in the minor leagues. The California native hit .285 with 11 home runs, 48 RBI, and 24 stolen bases in 123 games at Lakewood and Clearwater last season.
The hottest prospect in baseball, Kris Bryant, was drafted by the Cubs second overall that season and is already in the majors.
Crawford is ranked only behind Astros shortstop Carlos Correa, Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager and Twins outfielder Byron Buxton.
Crawford is expected to be coupled with pitchers Aaron Nola, Zach Eflin and centerfielder Roman Quinn as part of a youth movement towards the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
Hot prospect Maikel Franco, promising Rule-5 selection Odubel Herrera and future Ken Giles are already on the major league roster and will lead the way for their positions as well.
Crawford figures to be called up to Double-A Reading at some point in 2015 with a possible MLB arrival at some point next season.