A Deep Dive into Justin Crawford, the Philadelphia Phillies’ 2022 First Round Pick
The Philadelphia Phillies selected outfielder Justin Crawford with the 17th pick in the 2022 MLB Draft on Sunday night.
The Newest Phillie, Justin Crawford.
Justin Crawford went to Bishop Gorman High School in California and was committed to Louisiana State University (LSU) for the upcoming school year. Justin is the son of former-MLB outfielder Carl Crawford, who played for the Tampa Bay Rays during the 2008 World Series vs. the Phillies.
Right off the bat, the biggest thing that stands out about Crawford is his speed. He holds a 6.11 60-yard dash, according to Perfect Game. He held an 85mph OF Velo at the PG event last year, along with an average 91-mph exit velocity.
Justin Crawford played just two seasons at Bishop Gorman High School due to COVID-19 canceling his sophomore season. Crawford played 60 total varsity games in two years, slashing .500/.555/.796, good for an OPS of 1.351. He totaled 6 HRs, 12 triples, 22 doubles, 64 RBIs, 108 hits, and 87 runs scored in just over 200 total at-bats throughout his HS career.
Crawford is primarily a contact hitter, with a short swing to the ball with his upper body. He takes a wide stance to start his swing and gets his front foot in a good spot, leaving a short but impactful swing through his body. He gets out of the box quickly and can make it down to first just as quick as anyone in the draft.
My favorite word for Crawford right now is scrappy. He’s not gonna hit for 30 home runs in a season, and he’s probably not even gonna hit for 20. But he’s going to steal bases, get clutch hits, and track every single ball down in centerfield. His baseball IQ is through the roof, and he just knows what he’s doing on the field at all times.
“(Justin Crawford) is a no doubt centerfielder in the future. I think he’s going to be an elite defensive centerfielder in the future.” – Brian Barber, Phillies Director of Amateur Scouting
Phillies stars Bryce Harper and Bryson Stott had to show their love for Justin Crawford last night as the Phillies added another Vegas Boy to the team.
The Phillies’ pick of Justin Crawford marks the first time a position player was taken out of high school since Mickey Moniak in 2016. Since then, the Phillies’ first-round picks have gone as followed.
Phillies First Round Picks
- 2016: Mickey Moniak (1, OF)
- 2017: Adam Haseley (8, OF)
- 2018: Alec Bohm (3, 3B)
- 2019: Bryson Stott (14, SS)
- 2020: Mick Abel (15, P)
- 2021: Andrew Painter (13, P)
Day 2 of the 2022 MLB Draft continues today at 2:00 EST, with rounds 3-10. The Phillies did not pick in the 2nd round this year, as they gave up that pick to acquire Nick Castellanos in the offseason. The team gets a nice break during All-Star week after a massive sweep down in Miami over the weekend.
More Phillies
- Phillies sweep Marlins in Miami for the first time since 2010
- Two former #1 picks optioned to AAA
- Phillies announce new scoreboard for 2023
Mandatory Credit: Las Vegas Sun
