So far, so good for Justin Crawford

Not only has Justin Crawford not looked overmatched early in the Grapefruit League, he's looked like someone who could provide a jolt to a veteran Phillies lineup in 2026.

Obviously, anything that happens in Spring Training should be taken with the largest grain of salt possible, but if Crawford was struggling, it would be a big story. So it's worth noting how well he's played thus far. 

Crawford doubled down the left field line in the top of the third inning Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays: 

Justin Crawford’s double! pic.twitter.com/FK88eDiC86

— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) February 28, 2026

Perhaps even more impressively, Crawford legged out an infield single on a ball hit between the second baseman and shortstop in the top of the sixth inning. One of the concerns regarding Crawford has been how much he's hit the ball on the ground in the minors, including a 59.4% ground ball rate at Triple-A Lehigh Valley a year ago. To his credit, Crawford has had great success despite hitting so many balls on the ground, as he hit .334 for the IronPigs in 2025. With gigantic strides, you're starting to see how Crawford has made an approach that's unique in today's game work. 

In total, Crawford is 5-for-15 (.333) with two doubles and a stolen base so far in Grapefruit League play. Teams, particularly when the games start to count, are going to adjust to Crawford. But even without him flashing what's said to be tremendous bunting ability, Crawford has already shown how electric he could be with his speed if he's able to get hits. 

President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski acknowledged this offseason that there are some in the organization who believe Crawford's best defensive position is left field, while others think he'll thrive in center field. Obviously, he would be more valuable if he's able to stick in center field. It's difficult to evaluate outfielders in Spring Training, where there are Florida skies with no clouds, few night games, at time wicked winds, no third decks in the stands, etc. Although he had quite the catch against the Detroit Tigers on Feb. 25: 

Justin Crawford showing off the range in center 👀 pic.twitter.com/yMSyELhOkD

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) February 25, 2026

Again, in a few weeks, none of this will matter. But if there was any thought Crawford wouldn't look ready for the majors this spring, the 22-year-old has pretty quickly ended that discussion. 

Read More Phillies Content At On Pattison

1. Aidan Miller has apparently reminded the Phillies he played outfield as a kid
2. José Alvarado is irate insurance issues prevented him from pitching in World Baseball Classic
3. Reported 2027 MLB salary cap number would be disaster for Phillies
4. Bryce Harper doesn't believe 2027 season will start on time, does think games will be played
5. 'Emotions are still intact': After Phillies exit, Nick Castellanos praises Padres coaches who played recently
6. Phillies appear to make uniform tweak that will please the sickos
7. Former MLB exec says Phillies are 'going to have to lower their payroll' after 2026
8. Bryce Harper says he and Phillies didn't talk about Rhys Hoskins reunion
9. Tom McCarthy says Mike Schmidt will not return to Phillies broadcasts in 2026
10. 5 years after hitting Bryce Harper in the face with a pitch, Génesis Cabrera is trying to become his teammate