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Could J.P. Crawford be starting for the Phillies next season?

By Kerry Kauffman |
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 05: J.P. Crawford #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a single against the New York Mets during the fifth inning of a game at Citi Field on September 5, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The hit was Carwfords first MLB hit. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 05: J.P. Crawford #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies hits a single against the New York Mets during the fifth inning of a game at Citi Field on September 5, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. The hit was Carwfords first MLB hit. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

J.P. Crawford has done a solid job since his call up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Could he land a starting job next season with the Phillies?

Heading into the last few weeks of the 2017 season, the Phillies are looking to finish strong to avoid the dreaded 100-loss season. More importantly, they need to see what they have moving forward, which means seeing prospects getting much action.

One of those prospects is the highly regarded J.P. Crawford, who is 7-for-29 with four doubles since his call up. Speculation is that he could push Freddy Galvis for the starting shortstop job next season.

Crawford began his career as an 18-year old in the lowest levels of minor-league ball in 2013, hitting .308 with 14 stolen bases. In his first full season with Lakewood and Clearwater in 2014, Crawford hit .285 with 11 home runs and 24 stolen bases.

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Progressing through the system, Crawford hit a combined .268 with 24 stolen bases in 2015 and 2016. This season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, he displayed increasing power, belting 15 home runs. Defensively, he has been brilliant at times, careless at times, with a career fielding percentage of .960.

As a 22-year old, Crawford clearly appears to be the future at shortstop. Galvis has been excellent defensively and has shown good power for a shortstop.

However, his career .245 batting average is mediocre, while his .286 on-base percentage is terrible.  Still, there is some trade value for Galvis, should the team pursue that option.

Another scenario for Crawford is a shot at the third base job. He’s started five games at third since his call up, successfully handling all 14 chances. It is no secret that Maikel Franco has been somewhat of a disappointment this season. He’s hit 20 home runs, but his batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage have all declined over the past two seasons. In addition, Franco has committed 14 errors and has a mediocre .955 fielding percentage.

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Examining another option, albeit not likely, is for Crawford to play second base. But that would mean trading Cesar Hernandez, who is having his best Major League season and has been more than capable in the lead off spot.

The last 17 games, upcoming off season and spring training will tell a lot for the future of Crawford. My best guess is that if he plays well the rest of the season, the Phillies will entertain offers for Galvis and or Franco.

A final scenario would be for Crawford to a backup and spot starter and shortstop, second base and third base next season and move into a starting role in 2019.

Next: Phillies rumors: Marcus Stroman trade ideal

A solid spring training and the right deal could vault Crawford into a starting position next season, as the Phillies try to solidify a core for future contention in the division.

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