There has been a lot of speculation over what the Philadelphia Phillies will do with their outfield this offseason. Nick Castellanos is as good as gone, while Brandon Marsh, Otto Kemp, and Weston Wilson will be sure to factor into the outfield somehow.
But, in terms of new additions, Adolis Garcia is taking over in right field on a $10 million deal. That leaves one spot open, either in center or left field, for the Phillies.
As Todd Zolecki of MLB.com writes, there's one clear candidate to fill that spot. Top prospect Justin Crawford is "practically a lock" to secure the final outfield spot, as he's very likely the team's best option this upcoming season.
Phillies' Justin Crawford is almost a lock to make MLB debut on Opening Day
"Right-hander Andrew Painter could work here, too," Zolecki writes, "but Crawford is practically a lock to make the Phillies' Opening Day roster with outfielders Nick Castellanos and Max Kepler not expected to return in 2026."
Just as Castellanos isn't going to return, as is Max Kepler, Harrison Bader doesn't have a high likelihood of coming back to Philadelphia.
And even if he does return, the Phillies are strongly considering going with Crawford in some capacity in 2026.
He's been talked up by Dave Dombrowski and the organization for the last year, and he's very likely to make his MLB debut in 2026 for the Phillies.
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The only question left would be when that debut comes. If there aren't any more outfield additions, which seems to be the case, then Crawford would be poised to take over in center field for the Phillies with Marsh platooning in left and Garcia in right.
The 21-year-old outfielder, and son of Carl Crawford, is a speedy contact-first hitter. This past season, he hit.334 with an.863 OPS across 112 games at Triple-A.
Crawford was rumored to come up to the Major Leagues in 2025, but Dombrowski only wanted to make such a move if Crawford could start every day. With one of the outfield spots wide open right now, Crawford is a clear option for that role.
Phillies fans should fully expect Crawford to factor into the Phillies' plans in 2026, as early as Opening Day. He's proven he's worth a chance in the Majors, and the speedy outfielder is "practically a lock" to make his MLB debut this season on Opening Day 2026.
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