J.P. Crawford

Position: SS
Level: Double-A
Affiliate: Reading Fightin Phils
League:
Age: 21
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 180
B/T: Left / Right
Acquired: 1st Rd., (#16 overall) , 2013 MLB First-Year Player Draft (PHI).

Prospect Spotlight

There are  many reasons why prospect websites and publications have J.P. Crawford ranked in the upper echelon of prospects in the game. Crawford has silky-smooth actions at shortstop with plus reads and reactions, plus range and a plus arm. With that profile at the premium shortstop position, any kind of value he brings at the plate is a bonus, but to me, that could be argued as Crawford’s strength. He has an innate feel for the barrel with an all-fields approach to go with keen pitch recognition skills. His patient approach and ability to work pitchers, and the strike zone is advanced for his age, and his present BB:K rate of 30:21 over 166 PAs is not surprising. Crawford features plus bat speed with lift in his swing.  With some added strength, there is a possibility Crawford’s power could get to an average grade. Along with those skills, Crawford will flash plus run times with long, graceful, athletic strides, and he should continue to keep his speed and agility with added strength. Overall, Crawford’s high baseball IQ and mature approach in all facets are unique. His overall profile could feature four plus tools and another average one – all at a premium defensive position – giving him the ceiling of an all-star-caliber player. – C.J. Wittmann