Inside The Phillies

Top Philadelphia Phillies Prospects Make Highlight Plays In MLB Futures Game

The Philadelphia Phillies had two prospects put under a spotlight during Saturday's MLB Futures Game.

Dylan Sanders

Jul 8, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; National League Futures designated hitter Justin Crawford (13) of the Philadelphia Phillies hits an RBI sacrifice fly against the American League during the second inning of the All Star-Futures game at T-Mobile Park.
Jul 8, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; National League Futures designated hitter Justin Crawford (13) of the Philadelphia Phillies hits an RBI sacrifice fly against the American League during the second inning of the All Star-Futures game at T-Mobile Park. / Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
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The Philadelphia Phillies farm system has gotten some notice over the past week and that continued as two top prospects got an interesting opportunity on Saturday.

Philadelphia had two position players chosen to take place in the MLB futures game, outfielder Justin Crawford and infielder Aidan Miller.

Ahead of the game taking place, Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter ranked them both within the top-20 prospects participating.

Crawford was the No. 12 overall player in Reuter's ranking, reflecting his continued growth as a prospect.

"Justin is the son of four-time All-Star Carl Crawford, and he shares some of his dad's tools with good wheels and a terrific glove in the outfield," said Reuter.

The 20-year-old hit leadoff for the NL team and went 1-for-3 at the plate. His hit was a liner over the glove of the shortstop.

While it was a solid hit, his personal highlight from the day came when he was able to flash some leather while in left field.

The speedster was recently promoted to Double-A for the first time after a stellar start to the season in High-A.

In 70 games so far this season, he's slashed a .301/.349/.438 at the plate with six homers runs and 35 RBI.

He's also swiped 27 bags as a baserunner. His speed is constantly put to use as minor league catchers struggle to throw him out. He had 47 stolen bases last season in just 87 games.

Miller is another highly-touted prospect, but Reuter ranked him a little bit lower at No. 17.

"[He] hit well over 20 games in his pro debut last season after going No. 27 overall in the 2023 draft, and he is still working to tap into his significant raw power," said the writer.

Starting at shortstop for the NL squad, he went 0-for-1 at the plate but racked up and RBI after being hit by a pitch.

He also did it in style, wearing some Phillie Phanatic-inspired cleats.

The 19-year-old hasn't had the same success that Crawford has in the minors this season, but is still considered one of the best position player prospects in the league.

In 21 games of High-A ball, he's slashing just .188/.286/.313.

One the defensive side of things, he had an up-and-down day. The highlight came as he initiated a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning on the pitch after comitting an error.

He's the No. 27 prospect in the MLB Pipeline and the second-best in the Philadelphia farm.

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Dylan Sanders
DYLAN SANDERS

Dylan Sanders graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree from the Manship School of Mass Communication in 2023. He was born in raised in Baton Rouge, LA but has also lived in Buffalo, NY. Though he is a recent graduate, he has been writing about sports since he was in high school, covering different sports from baseball to football. While in college, he wrote for the school paper The Reveille and for 247Sports. He was able cover championships in football, baseball and women's basketball during his time at LSU. He has also spent a few years covering the NFL draft and every day activities of the New Orleans Saints. He is a Senior Writer at Inside the Marlins and will also be found across Sports Illustrated's baseball sites as a contributing writer. You can follow him on Twitter or Instagram @dillysanders

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