Phillies top OF prospect Justin Crawford expected to make Opening Day roster

Jared Bloom

Phillies top OF prospect Justin Crawford expected to make Opening Day roster  image

Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Phillies come into the offseason with a ton of questions. They have to figure out their outfielders for next season, and are at risk of losing Ranger Suarez, Kyle Schwarber, and J.T. Realmuto in free agency. 

It will be interesting to see how the front office navigates this. Schwarber has become one of the leaders on the team, and after his impressive 2025 season, this is someone they certainly do not want to lose. 

However, even if they can re-sign Schwarber, they have a huge hole to fill in the outfield. However, they do have a talented prospect who looks more than ready to make a name for himself. 

Phillies top OF prospect Justin Crawford expected to make Opening Day roster

Justin Crawford is currently ranked as the Phillies' No. 3 prospect and is the organization's top outfield prospect. He was drafted in the first round of the 2022 MLB Draft as a high schooler and has been making strides in the minor leagues. 

According to The Athletic's Matt Gelb, he is largely expected to be on the Phillies' Opening Day roster and will be one to look out for. 

"This much is clear: It will somehow involve Justin Crawford. Dombroski has all but decided the prospect will be on the club's Opening Day roster. It will not include Nick Castellanos, whom the Phillies are actively shopping at this week's meetings."

On the flip side, Nick Castellanos' time with the Phillies is likely over. They are actively trying to find a suitable trade partner for the two-time All-Star. 

It will be interesting to see who is interested in acquiring Castellanos. He has taken a step back as he is getting older. Maybe a change of scenery could help him recapture some of the magic he has been missing lately.

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Contributing Writer