Justin Crawford Follows Father’s Legacy to MLB Spotlight as Phillies’ No. 3 Prospect

Fightin' Phils outfielder, Justin Crawford grew up in the clubhouse around big leaguers. His dad, Carl Crawford, was a four-time MLB All-Star and Tampa Bay Rays Hall of Famer. He put a bat and ball in Justin’s hands at the age of two and hasn’t looked back. Today, his son is the No. 52 ranked MLB prospect and Phillies' No. 3 ranked prospect, developing rapidly through the minor league farm system.

Justin Crawford attended Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, and graduated in 2022. In his junior and senior seasons combined, he batted .490 with 103 hits, 60 RBI, 6 homers and 25 stolen bases.

On July 25, 2022, Crawford was selected by the Phillies in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft. “This is something I’ve dreamed of since I was such a little kid,” said Crawford in an interview following his selection. “For me to finally be able to get here is a dream come true.”

Crawford has risen to the occasion in the minor leagues, as a much-anticipated young talent. He began his professional debut with the Florida Complex League on August 9, 2022, and started his career with a five-game on-base streak. In Single-A, Crawford posted a .330 average with 98 hits, three home runs, 60 RBI, and 42 stolen bases in 74 games.

Crawford was promoted to High-A JerseyShore in August 2023 and returned at the start of the 2024 season. In 88 games he hit .299 with 109 hits, 39 RBI, and stole 34 bases. The 20-year-old was called up to Reading on July 14. In his Double-A debut, Crawford went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles, a run scored, and a stolen base. In last week’s series in Akron, the centerfielder’s first Double-A home run was a grand slam, the third of his career.

“It's been amazing, I mean guys welcomed me with open arms, and made me really enjoy this whole experience,” said Crawford on his time in Reading so far. “We’re just trying to go one game at a time right now, and try to get some wins.”

Crawford grew up idolizing his father on the baseball field, mimicking his every move. Now that Justin is deep into his professional career, he expressed gratitude for his dad Carl’s support. “No matter how I may be going, whether it's up or down, he’s always checking in, giving me advice… The mental aspect of the game that’s definitely where he’s always there, always talking to me.”

The No. 52 MLB prospect emphasized the key to his success is staying present and taking it one day at a time amidst a long season. Crawford also credits the perspective he had growing up in a Major League clubhouse, watching the daily grind of the players.

“My dad is a big part in helping me get to where I’m at and helping me transition,” said Crawford. “I think around high school is the time where I started to be able to get my feet settled under me and make my own name for myself.”

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