Justin Crawford, an outfield prospect for the Philadelphia Phillies, was selected 17th overall in the 2022 MLB June Amateur Draft directly from high school. His minor league tenure spanned four seasons, during which he compiled a .322 batting average with 246 runs scored, 19 home runs, 177 RBIs, and an impressive 145 stolen bases over 1,304 at-bats. In 2025, he gained substantial experience with 112 games at the Triple-A level, hitting .334 with 88 runs, 7 home runs, 47 RBIs, and 46 steals in 440 at-bats. He boasts an 81.9% success rate on stolen base attempts over his career, underlining his elite base-stealing capability.
Crawford’s contact batting average has consistently ranked among the top over the last three seasons, ranging from .393 to .421, signaling a strong foundation for maintaining a respectable batting average as he progresses. His strikeout rate of 18.4% is better than average, and his walk rate of 8.8% suggests solid plate discipline. However, his average hit rate of 1.354 limits his early projection for home runs to around 10, due in part to a high ground ball rate—nearly 60%—and a relatively low launch angle. He recorded a hard-hit percentage of 40.7% and an exit velocity that ranks in the 89.8 percentile in Triple-A, indicating well-struck balls but with an emphasis on grounders.
The younger Crawford’s early development mirrors aspects of his father, Carl Crawford, a former MLB standout who was himself a skilled contact hitter and base stealer. Carl entered the majors after a similar minor league progression, although he had a slightly lower walk rate and a comparable average hit metric. Historical comparisons offer insight into Justin’s potential trajectory, though analysts anticipate a steeper learning phase for Justin as he adapts to major league pitching.
“When Justin Crawford was 8 years old, his father, Carl, was traded to the Dodgers — then managed by Don Mattingly.Now, nearly 15 years later, Mattingly is the #Phillies bench coach and MLB’s No. 53 prospect is on track to break camp with the club: https://t.co/8IUGeQphBE pic.twitter.com/1low8yJbOY”
— MLB Pipeline
What to Expect from Justin Crawford in 2026 Fantasy Baseball
Justin Crawford enters the 2026 season with a profile that signals a high-contact, speed-focused player with moderate power upside. His swing mechanics appear weaker compared to his father’s early years, and given Carl Crawford did not hit his stride until his third major league season, a developmental curve should be expected for Justin as well. Physically, he shares similarities with his father, which may influence his playing style and durability at the major league level.
Despite this anticipated adjustment period, Crawford is projected to secure a top spot in the Phillies’ batting order once he proves consistent against major league pitching. Power is not expected to be a prominent feature right away, but his blend of speed and bat control should make him a valuable fantasy asset, likely outperforming peers such as Steven Kwan during their rookie campaigns.
Crawford’s stolen base potential is particularly notable, an asset highly sought in fantasy leagues due to its scarcity. Expert projections suggest that with approximately 500 at-bats, Crawford could hit over .280 with close to 80 runs scored, eight home runs, 50 RBIs, and an impressive 50 stolen bases. Such a balanced offensive skill set could position him as a significant late-round value in 2026 drafts.
Evaluating Dylan Beavers’ Progress and Performance Metrics
Dylan Beavers, an outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles, was picked 33rd overall in the 2022 MLB Draft after demonstrating steady growth during his collegiate career at California, where he posted a robust .297 average with 106 runs, 35 home runs, and 99 RBIs over two seasons. His professional minor league career spans four seasons, achieving a .278 batting average accompanied by 237 runs, 44 home runs, 180 RBIs, and 87 steals across 1,325 at-bats. Beavers excelled at the Triple-A level in 2025, producing a .301 average with 81 runs, 18 home runs, 55 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases over 362 at-bats.
His walk rate stands out at 14.1%, indicating strong plate discipline, while his strikeout rate is a league-average 21.1%. Beavers’ average hit rate peaked at 1.692 in 2025, showing a positive trend in power development. However, his brief major league experience last year included 35 games, during which his walk rate rose significantly to 19.0%, but his strikeout rate increased as well, rising to 26.3%. His contact batting average dipped to .338 in the majors compared to .373 in the minors.
Beavers’ power indicators have advanced with better launch angles (up to 16.6%) and a transition toward more fly balls, with a flyball rate of 48.6% during his limited MLB stint. His home run to fly ball ratio has risen beyond previous thresholds, signaling potential for increased home run output moving forward. Exit velocity and hard-hit rates remain solid but not elite, placing him as a developing power-speed threat.
Forecasting Dylan Beavers’ Fantasy Contribution in 2026
Dylan Beavers’ physical profile—standing 6’5″ and weighing 205 pounds—suggests the potential for additional power gains as he matures and adds strength. His notable speed for his size further enhances his fantasy appeal. However, Baltimore’s crowded outfield options complicate his path as a full-time starter, making his playing time in 2026 less certain.
Beavers projects to deliver a 15 home run and 30 stolen base type of season once he establishes himself in the Orioles’ lineup. If he secures everyday at-bats, his blend of power and speed will be highly attractive for fantasy managers looking for multi-category contributors. This spring will be crucial for monitoring his progression, as there is optimism his power could develop faster than expected.
Comparing Justin Crawford and Dylan Beavers for 2026 Fantasy Drafts
Justin Crawford’s elite speed and above-average contact ability create immediate value in batting average, runs, and stolen bases, especially if he earns regular playing time with the Phillies. Meanwhile, Dylan Beavers offers a potent combination of developing power and solid speed for the Orioles, which may translate into a balanced fantasy production but with more uncertainty in playing time early on.
For fantasy players seeking upside in stolen bases and batting average at a bargain, Crawford appears to hold a clear advantage. However, Beavers’ higher power ceiling and potential to grow into an everyday star make him an enticing candidate for those willing to take on some risk. Overall, Beavers is regarded as a strong value pick on the draft board for 2026, recommended over Crawford unless there is a specific need for substantial stolen base contributions.
When Justin Crawford was 8 years old, his father, Carl, was traded to the Dodgers — then managed by Don Mattingly.
Now, nearly 15 years later, Mattingly is the #Phillies bench coach and MLB's No. 53 prospect is on track to break camp with the club: https://t.co/8IUGeQphBE pic.twitter.com/1low8yJbOY
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) March 8, 2026
