The Washington Nationals had the chance to pick second in the 2023 MLB Draft.
After the Pittsburgh Pirates drafted Paul Skenes to bolster their pitching staff, it became evident that the logical move for them was to take LSU outfielder Dylan Crews.
They did just that, and they don’t regret the decision by any means.
Crews played 14 games in Single-A and was so good that the Nats had him skip High-A and threw him into the fire that is the high-minors.
And even though he struggled in 20 Double-A games, it’s clear that this is a special player.
Washington invited him to spring training, and he is already leaving his mark.
“Dylan Crews’ first swing of the day in live bp, facing Cole Henry: opposite field home run,” Nationals insider Spencer Nusbaum tweeted.
Dylan Crews’ first swing of the day in live bp, facing Cole Henry: opposite field home run. pic.twitter.com/qJbJiP9Oj2
— Spencer Nusbaum (@spencernusbaum_) February 20, 2024
It was his first swing of the afternoon, and he used it to show off his impressive all-fields power.
Crews should be a well-above average regular, perhaps even an All-Star.
His most likely ETA (estimated time of arrival) is 2025, but there is a chance he makes his MLB debut in 2024 if the Nationals are in contention (unlikely) and if he solves the high minors (probable).
Only 14 games in Single-A were enough for him to post a 1.068 OPS and take the next step in his progression.
The 20 games he played in Double-A (.595 OPS) were a good way for him to learn from his struggles.
He will probably open the year in Double-A, and even though he has some strikeout issues to fix, he oozes upside.
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