Justin Crawford has been a bit underwhelming in his rookie season with the Philadelphia Phillies, slashing .257/.306/.339 with two home runs, three triples and 13 stolen bases. The Phillies center fielder's future could hinge on the return he'd fetch in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to MLB Network insider Jon Morosi.
The 22-year-old was one of Philadelphia's top prospects before graduating to the majors this year, and he still has five years of control remaining as a pre-arbitration player. His production has lagged early, though, posting an OPS+ of 74 that sits well below league average, not ot mention a -0.2 WAR through 99 games this season.
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The Phillies are sitting just 1 1/2 games ahead of the last National League Wild Card spot with a 57-52 record. The club has been open about needing a fifth starter and a right-handed hitting outfielder before Monday's trade deadline.
Morosi reported the Phillies have multiple needs and Toronto has available veterans who fit, including starters Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber and outfielders Daulton Varsho and George Springer.
Crawford's inclusion could let the Phillies address multiple needs at once, pairing him with other pieces to pry loose both a starting pitcher and an outfielder from Toronto rather than making two separate deals. His long-term control makes him more valuable to a rebuilding club than to a contender pushing for October.
With just four days to go before the deadline on Monday, Philadelphia will have to decide whether Crawford's short-term struggles justify moving a player they controlled for years, or whether his upside is worth keeping as the front office chases a playoff spot.
