As the winter chill grips the Eastern Seaboard, baseball fans are already dreaming of spring—and for Philadelphia Phillies enthusiasts, that dream just got a little more exciting. The Phillies have unveiled their spring training non-roster invitees, and two names are stealing the spotlight: Justin Crawford and Aidan Miller. These top prospects are among the 27 players heading to Clearwater, Florida, for big league camp, and their presence has fans buzzing with anticipation.
But here's where it gets intriguing: while players on the 40-man roster automatically join spring training, non-roster invitees like Crawford and Miller are handpicked for this opportunity. Some may vie for an Opening Day spot, but most are either showcasing their talent for future roles or simply filling out the roster. And this is the part most people miss: these invitees often represent the future of the team, offering a glimpse into the Phillies' long-term strategy.
Joining Crawford and Miller is Andrew Painter, a top pitching prospect already on the 40-man roster, making this trio the must-watch young stars of the camp. The Phillies' list of non-roster invitees includes a mix of pitchers, catchers, infielders, outfielders, and utility players, each bringing unique skills to the table. Here’s a closer look at the standout prospects and what makes them so compelling.
Justin Crawford, the 22-year-old center fielder, is being groomed for a potential Opening Day starting role. Drafted in the first round in 2022, Crawford ranks as the Phillies' No. 3 MLB Pipeline prospect. His game-changing speed and bat power are undeniable, but there’s a catch: he hits ground balls 59.4% of the time, which could limit his success in the majors. Is his talent enough to overcome this challenge? It’s a question that divides evaluators. Crawford’s 2025 Triple-A performance—batting .334 with an .863 OPS, seven home runs, and 46 stolen bases—suggests he’s ready for the big leagues. As the son of former MLB star Carl Crawford, he’s poised to carry on a legacy, but will his bat and glove secure an everyday role in 2026?
Aidan Miller, 21, is the Phillies' No. 2 prospect and a shortstop with a unique dilemma. With Trea Turner firmly at shortstop, Miller’s path to the majors isn’t clear-cut. However, his 2025 season tells a story of resilience. After a slow start in Double-A, he caught fire with a 31-game stretch where he hit .361 with a 1.100 OPS. His brief Triple-A stint was equally impressive, batting .333 with a 1.032 OPS. Here’s the controversial part: the Phillies have hinted at moving Miller to second or third base. Is this the right move, or should they find another way to get his bat in the lineup? Spring training could be his audition for a mid-season call-up, and fans are eager to see how he adapts.
As Grapefruit League action kicks off, Phillies fans are hoping Crawford and Miller will shine in spring training games. But they’re not the only ones to watch. Here’s the full list of non-roster invitees:
Pitchers (9):
- Left-handers: Génesis Cabrera, Tucker Davidson, Tim Mayza, Andrew Walling
- Right-handers: Andrew Bechtold, Jonathan Hernandez, Michael Mercado, Trevor Richards, Bryse Wilson
Catchers (5): Kehden Hettiger, Mark Kolozsvary, Paul McIntosh, René Pinto, Caleb Ricketts
Infielders (8): Keaton Anthony, Christian Cairo, Carson DeMartini, Aroon Escobar, Aidan Miller, Liover Peguero, Bryan Rincon, José Rodríguez
Outfielders (4): Dylan Campbell, Justin Crawford, Bryan De La Cruz, Dante Nori
Utility (1): Felix Reyes
What do you think? Are Crawford and Miller ready for the big leagues? Should the Phillies move Miller to another position? Let us know in the comments—this is a conversation Phillies fans won’t want to miss!
