Phillies Latest News is Alarming for Multiple Reasons

The Philadelphia Phillies knew their outfield would be an issue heading into the offseason. Harrison Bader and Max Kepler were hitting free agency, and Nick Castellanos was a sure-fire goner.

With Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger available, some felt the Phillies would bag one of them, but it doesn't appear that Philadelphia is headed in that direction.

Instead, the Phillies signed Adolis Garcia to a one-year deal, and they seem prepared to head into 2026 with Garcia, Brandon Marsh and, yes, Justin Crawford as their three starting outfielders.

Crawford's name is obviously the one that raises eyebrows.

Just 21 years old, Crawford is one of Philadelphia's top prospects and tore up Triple-A to the tune of a .334/.411/.452 slash line in 2025. But is he ready for such a prominent role in the big leagues?

Phillies president Dave Dombrowski seems to think so, claiming that the former first-round pick could have played this past season. But is it really a wise idea to thrust Crawford into a starting role with the youngster having no major-league experience?

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com questions the decision.

"Some scouts believe Crawford is better suited in left than center. Some wonder if Crawford’s propensity to hit the ball into the ground will work as well in the big leagues," Zolecki wrote. "The Phillies are going to find out."

Zolecki added that Philadelphia will be "patient" with Crawford, but how patient can the Phillies really be after signing 32-year-old Kyle Schwarber to a $150 million contract extension and while knowing that Bryce Harper is entering the twilight of his career?

It has been World Series or bust in Philadelphia for several years now, and the Phils won 95-plus games each of the last two seasons.

Is Crawford really the right solution?

It's entirely possible that Crawford — who also stole 46 bases this past year — lights it up and injects some much-needed life into the Phillies next season. But it's also possible that the Phoenix native's lack of power (he has hit just 19 home runs across 1,459 minor-league plate appearances) becomes a rather significant issue for Philadelphia.

That's especially considering that Marsh is not much of a long-ball threat himself and that Garcia is a complete wild card at this point.

The Phillies' apparent decision to roll with Crawford is also an indication that the front office may be financially capped out, which shouldn't be too surprising given that Philadelphia just had to pay $56 million in luxury tax penalties.

All of that being said, you do have to wonder if the Phillies are genuinely headed in the right direction in terms of potentially winning a championship.