When Will Justin Crawford Arrive in the Major Leagues?

When Bryce Harper went down last week after being hit by a pitch by the Atlanta Braves, some of their weaknesses were exposed.  While it may not be the biggest issue the Phillies have, center field in particular is a clear area in which there is room for improvement.  And the Phillies just happen to have one of their top prospects at the position.

Justin Crawford is regularly ranked the Phillies number three prospect behind Andrew Painter and Aidan Miller.  Now at Triple-A, Crawford is putting up the type of numbers that suggest that he is ready for the big leagues.

Through Wednesday, Crawford is batting .340 with 11 doubles, three triples, and one home run, driving in 23.  He has walked 25 times and amassed 22 stolen bases, while compiling an .844 OPS.

Meanwhile, the Phillies have struggled to get any consistency from their center fielders.

Brandon Marsh went the month of April without a hit, and after rebounding some in the month of May.  But he is batting just .188 in his last seven games.

The Phillies saw a strong start at the plate from Johan Rojas batting .288 in April.  However, he followed that up batting just .167 in the month of May.

Unfortunately for the Phillies, whoever is not starting is not necessarily a bench bat that could provide an impact.

Crawford would allow the Phillies to essentially combine two roster spots into one.

Crawford is batting .455 against lefties, in addition to .309 against righties.  Crawford, as the every day player, could allow the Phillies to gain a bench space back.

Speed would improve.  Defense would improve.

One potential knock is that power would not improve.  Crawford tends to hit the ball on the ground a good deal.  But his speed makes that work and he gets on base.  I would not be worried about that, particularly if he is a bottom-of-the-lineup bat.  Putting the ball in play goes a long way.

So what would it take for this to happen?

I think the Phillies would need to find a trade partner for Brandon Marsh.  I do believe that Marsh has some value to some teams out there; ditto Rojas.  There are teams who could use a center fielder that can catch the ball.

There are many bigger needs on this Phillies ballclub.  They need relief from both sides.  Left field needs help, too, with some power attached.   But this will be an easier one to solve, once the Phillies can find landing places for Marsh and/or Rojas.  Then Crawford can take over center field and settle it once and for all.