Phillies Have No Reason to Rush J.P. Crawford to Big Leagues

Phillies fans are anxious for the arrival of one of baseballs top prospects, J.P. Crawford. At this point, it’s unlikely the Phillies bring the shortstop up to the big leagues in 2016. In fact, Crawford should ultimately start 2017 with the Iron Pigs.

Rushing a prospect is the worst thing an organization can do. That’s especially true when said prospect is one of the best in all of baseball.

J.P. Crawford has been on the fast track to the major leagues ever since he entered the Phillies organization. One of the youngest players at his level, Crawford has an immense amount of pressure on his shoulders.

Between his age and struggles so far in Lehigh Valley, there’s no reason the Phillies should throw J.P. Crawford into the fire.

Freddy Galvis is a serviceable shortstop during the Phillies current rebuild. He’s flashed gold glove defense this season, and is a good energy guy in the clubhouse.

While the batting average (.236) is not ideal, the speed, power, and defense makes up for the lack of pure hitting.

J.P. Crawford hasn’t necessarily lit-up pitchers since moving up to Triple-A. In 87 games he’s hit .244 with 59 strikeouts. A bit of a frightening stat is the 12 errors in Triple-A.

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Personally, I would have no problem if Freddy Galvis started the 2017 season as the Phillies starting shortstop. If Crawford finds his stroke in Lehigh Valley for a consistent amount of time and the service time deadlines are right, then I’m all for a promotion.

But until then, the steady presence of Freddy Galvis in the middle of the infield can do nothing but good.