Have Phillies found 'long-term answer' at center field in former All-Star's son?

The Philadelphia Phillies are one of baseball’s best teams right now, but their future could be even brighter.

With elite prospects like Andrew Painter developing in Philadelphia’s farm system, the Phillies are poised for a golden period of sustained excellence over the next decade.

One of Philadelphia’s most enticing prospects — especially given his age — is 20-year-old outfielder Justin Crawford, who is the son of former big leaguer Carl Crawford.

In an article published on Saturday entitled, “Roman Anthony and MLB's 25 Best Prospects 20 Years Old or Younger in 2024”, Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter ranked Crawford at No. 11 and discussed his potential to become Philadelphia’s center fielder in the near future.

“With a plus hit tool, elite speed and strong baseball bloodlines as the son of former All-Star Carl Crawford, the No. 17 overall pick in the 2022 draft has the potential to be a star,” Reuter said. “He is hitting .302/.348/.430 with 32 extra-base hits and 36 steals in 93 games between High-A and Double-A, and once he arrives in the big leagues he could finally provide a long-term answer to the Phillies long-standing center field question.”

Crawford is seen as Philadelphia’s No. 3 overall prospect behind only Painter and widely touted shortstop prospect Aidan Miller.

Have the Phillies finally found a solution at center field?

More MLB: Phillies slugger among MLB's most underrated players, report claims