The Philadelphia Phillies announced 27 non-roster invitees to their major league spring training camp on Friday, including highly touted prospects Justin Crawford and Aidan Miller. Crawford, seen as a future everyday center fielder, joins other young talents like infielder Aroon Escobar. Manager Rob Thomson expressed confidence in Crawford's potential to make the roster.
The Philadelphia Phillies revealed their list of 27 non-roster invitees for spring training on Friday, spotlighting several top prospects. Among them is outfielder Justin Crawford, who turned 22 earlier this month. Last season, Crawford played with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, batting .334 with 23 doubles, four triples, seven home runs, 47 RBIs, 46 stolen bases, and an .863 OPS.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson recently commented on Crawford's opportunities: "Crawford's going to get every chance to play." He added, "From everybody I've talked to, the makeup is really good, and the intangibles are really good. So if he makes the club, we're going to let him go, and we're going to let him play. And, hopefully, he has some success -- and we think he's going to."
The club has been open about envisioning Crawford as their everyday center fielder in 2026. Notably, another top prospect, Andrew Painter, does not need an invite as he was added to the 40-man roster earlier this offseason and is expected to vie for an Opening Day spot.
Other key invitees include infielders Aidan Miller and Aroon Escobar. Miller, selected 27th overall in the 2023 MLB Draft, spent most of last year at Double-A Reading before a September promotion to Lehigh Valley. The 21-year-old has played exclusively shortstop in the minors.
Escobar, who turned 21 on January 1, posted a .270 average with 15 home runs and 24 stolen bases over 120 games across three levels last season. He primarily plays second base but has seen time at shortstop and third base, splitting time between Single-A Clearwater, High-A Jersey Shore, and Reading.
The full list encompasses catchers, infielders, outfielders, utility players, and pitchers, signaling the Phillies' investment in their farm system ahead of the 2025 season.
