Fansided

One prospect each MLB team should call up

By Joshua Sadlock

Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (86) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (86) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 10, 2017; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop J.P. Crawford (67) walks against the New York Yankees at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop J.P. Crawford (67) walks against the New York Yankees at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Philadelphia Phillies: J.P. Crawford

Phillies fans have been eagerly waiting for J.P. Crawford through years of rebuilding. Prior to the full teardown of the roster, he was the only real hitter of note in the farm system. That has changed after the Ken Giles and Cole Hamels trades, but Crawford is still the jewel of the system at a premium position.

Crawford’s career .276/.370/.385 line in the minor leagues might not leap off the page, but he has been close to four years younger than the competition in every year of his career. He reached Triple-A last year at the age of 21, and was nearly six years younger than the rest of the league. Through five years in the minors, Crawford has not hit for much power, but he has shown plenty of maturity at the plate, avoiding strikeouts and drawing plenty of walks. As he grows into his body, he should develop a power stroke capable of hitting 15 balls out a year.

Crawford’s numbers, age, and rise through the minors are very similar to those of Francisco Lindor — now an MVP candidate for the Indians. Don’t get ahead of yourself and project Crawford for that type of meteoric rise when he debuts for the Phillies, but the potential is there. He is also a slick defender at short with excellent range. Crawford will be a dynamic player in all facets of the game, with All-Star upside.

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