The Philadelphia Phillies are preparing for the 2026 season with a focus on young talent, particularly outfielder Justin Crawford. Following the conclusion of their 2025 campaign at Dodger Stadium, Dave Dombrowski, president of baseball operations, discussed the team’s future during remarks at Citizens Bank Park.
Dombrowski identified several prospects who could contribute in the upcoming season, including right-hander Andrew Painter, infielder Aidan Miller, and outfielders Justin Crawford and Gabriel Rincones Jr. Painter is regarded as the organization’s top prospect and ranks 16th overall in baseball. His position in the starting rotation will depend on Zack Wheeler’s recovery from thoracic outlet surgery.
However, Crawford’s opportunity to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster appears stronger than that of Painter. With Nick Castellanos and Max Kepler not returning for 2026—together accounting for more than half of all outfield plate appearances last season—the Phillies face significant gaps to fill if free agent Harrison Bader also departs.
Crawford is expected to take on a major role alongside Brandon Marsh, Otto Kemp, Weston Wilson, Johan Rojas, Pedro León, and Rincones—all currently listed as outfielders on the team’s 40-man roster. Kyle Schwarber remains an option for occasional appearances in left field.
At age 21, Crawford finished his Triple-A season with Lehigh Valley hitting .334 with 23 doubles, four triples, seven home runs, 47 RBIs, 46 stolen bases and an .863 OPS. He was considered likely for promotion before Bader joined via trade last July.
“I really believe that he could have played for us last year at some point,” Dombrowski said earlier this month during Winter Meetings.
Depending on Bader’s status in 2026, Crawford could play daily either in left or center field. Some scouts suggest he may be better suited to left field; others question how his hitting style will translate to Major League Baseball.
The Phillies plan to let him adjust without pressure by possibly placing him ninth in the batting order while he develops his skills further.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson commented: “I always think when you bring a young guy up, close your eyes and let them play. No matter what happens, he gets two, three months, whatever time limit you want to give him and don’t even talk. Just let him go.”
Thomson added: “I think the guys that we have at the upper level of our system are performers and eventually they’re going to perform even if they get off to a slow start. That’s why I say you’ve just got to close your eyes and let them play and leave them alone and let them work themselves out of it. These are the type of guys that can do that. They have the makeup. I think they can handle it mentally and emotionally. Philly is a tough place to play.”
Crawford is projected to be part of the Opening Day lineup at Citizens Bank Park when Philadelphia faces Texas on March 26.
The Philadelphia Phillies operate as a professional baseball club based in Philadelphia since their founding in 1883 after receiving National League franchise rights following Worcester’s dissolution [source]. The team plays its home games at Citizens Bank Park—a stadium it has used since 2004—and offers fans various experiences such as events and merchandise [source]. The organization has earned World Series titles in both 1980 and 2008 [source].
