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An underperforming MLB team can be a hard thing to watch for fans. But with those poor overall performances come some unique opportunities. Perhaps the best examples are early MLB opportunities for young prospects who may have otherwise been stuck in the minor leagues of better MLB clubs.
The Nationals are one of the best examples of this in 2024. At 42-52, The Nats are not realistically competing for a pennant or wildcard spot, and it is time to tap into that farm system. James Wood has been the most recent beneficiary, seeing everyday opportunities to start in left field.
Dylan Crews has seen a meteoric rise through the Nationals' organization. He started the 2024 season with the Nats' Double-A affiliate and was recently promoted to Triple-A Rochester effective June 18th. Since then, Crews has seen every day starts in center field and, just as important, consistent time in the leadoff spot of their lineup. When will Crews make the jump to the MLB to join many other young, exciting names on a rebuilding Washington club?
Dylan Crews Prospect Update for Fantasy Baseball
The first requirement is a clear path to playing time. There is likely a path for Crews, but it is not totally "clear" as things stand. Jacob Young has seen consistent starts in CF for the Nats. He adds quite a bit of speed upside with 20 SB on the season, and that can be a nice boost out of the nine-spot that Young consistently occupies in the Washington lineup.
But swiping bags requires getting on base, and Young's .253 AVG leaves something to be desired, hence why he bats ninth. Furthermore, a lone HR and just 18 RBI in 83 games played leave a lot to be desired.
Dylan Crews ➡️ Another AAA HR
James Woods ➡️ reached base every game in MLB #Natitude stocks = 📈 📈 pic.twitter.com/AJYycIyvoh— DC Sports Experience (@DCsportsXP) July 6, 2024
There is no obvious obstacle to Crews seeing playing time at the MLB level. Jacob Young profiles much better as a bench bat to spell one of these guys on an occasional day off and provide pinch-hitting or pinch-running duties when needed. He could readily cede time to Crews once the MLB call is made. CF in D.C. will belong to Crews long-term, and perhaps he will get his audition there in the next few weeks if he continues to perform at Triple-A Rochester.
Dylan Crews Outlook for Fantasy Baseball
Crews was the number two overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft out of an incredibly strong LSU Tigers squad, including teammates like Paul Skenes. Crews holds a beautiful 20 SB across Double-A and Triple-A this year, a coveted statistic out of a likely leadoff hitter. He adds to this 8 HR, 40 R, and 49 RBI in the minor leagues in 2024. With his plus fielding skills, Crews is an outstanding five-tool player and future all-star.
Dylan Crews just stopped by the BA Prospect Pad
Hey @LSUbaseball fans … who wants this cover 👀😏 pic.twitter.com/GRNAZm4XU3
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) July 12, 2024
Crews seems primed to occupy the everyday CF spot. While CJ Abrams and Lane Thomas can provide nice balances of speed and power at the top of the lineup, a potentially lethal lineup could be Crews out of the leadoff spot followed by Abrams. Subsequently, some combination of Wood, Thomas, and Jesse Winker would make for a strong one-through-five lineup for the Nats. Adding Crews is a great way to occupy an NA spot, and those without the ability to hold prospects should keep their notifications on for his likely 2024 call-up. He is a must-add as soon as he is in MLB.
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