Bryce Harper sends message to Phillies’ first-round pick Justin Crawford

Bryce Harper sends message to Phillies’ first-round pick Justin Crawford: “Let’s work.”

Barely an hour after being selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the first round of the 2022 MLB draft, Justin Crawford got a message from the team’s marquee star.

Bryce Harper took to Instagram to post a photo of Crawford in his very first Phillies jersey, being interviewed after getting drafted 17th overall.

What does one of MLB’s biggest stars have in common with a guy who’s yet to play his first professional game?

Las Vegas.

Fellow Vegas Phillie Bryson Stott sent congratulations of his own not long after.

While Crawford will join an organization with plenty of guys from his hometown, he also has something in common with a rival team’s outfielder. Crawford attended Bishop Gorman High School, also the alma mater of New York Yankees outfielder, Joey Gallo. Seattle Mariners pitcher Paul Sewald, who is teammates with Crawford’s cousin (and former Phillies draft pick) J.P., also attended Bishop Gorman.

If Crawford develops into a big-league talent, he will join Harper in the Phillies’ outfield in the not-so-distant future. Harper’s historic 13-year deal will keep him in red pinstripes until 2031, and over the first few seasons, he’s already drawn praise for his mentoring of younger players, including Alec Bohm and Stott, who’s lived with him during spring training and watches college football at his house during the offseason. Undoubtedly, Harper will take Crawford under his wing, too.

Between his new hometown pals in the Phillies organization and his father’s guidance, Crawford is in good hands.

Philadelphia Phillies: 2022 MLB Draft Tracker

Keep track of every selection the Philadelphia Phillies make in the 2022 Major League Baseball draft, starting with the 17th overall pick in Round 1.