by J.T. Toth
Photo courtesy of Cody Worsham, LSU Tigers
The Pittsburgh Pirates' own the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft which is scheduled for July 9th-July 11th in Seattle, WA. This draft could be the final piece of GM, Ben Cherington’s puzzle to catapult the Bucs into a yearly contender. In the next few weeks Draft 412 will showcase the top prospects coming out in 2023.
Name- Dylan Crews
Pos- OF (Center Field)
Team- LSU Tigers
HT/WT- 6’0” 203 lbs.
Bats/Throws- R/R
Born- 2/26/2002
Home – Altamonte Springs, FL
Crews had a sensational high school career at Lake Mary High School in Florida. Crews played for both the 14U and the 18U U.S. teams. After his junior season, he played in the Under Armour All-America baseball game at Wrigley Field. Though his senior year was restricted because of covid-19, Crews was still considered a top prospect in the 2020 MLB Draft. Just weeks before the draft, Crews withdrew his name from the draft to attend LSU.
From day one, Crews has been considered one of the best hitters in the country. In his freshmen season, Crews hit .362 with 18 homeruns. His 18 homeruns broke the LSU record for homeruns by a freshman. He earned All-American and Freshman of the Year awards.
The scary part about Dylan Crews is he seems to get better each season. His sophomore season as a Tiger he hit 22 homeruns to go along with a .349 batting average and 72 runs batted in.
Crews came into this season as a top 5 prospect in the draft but after his tremendous start (.463 13-HR, 53-RBI in only 47 games), is now said to be either #1 or #2 depending on which direction the Pittsburgh Pirates go.
Crews is a five-tool player with no known weakness to his game. He has perfect mechanics at the plate, and always seems to square up pitches. A quick, powerful right-handed swing with a plus eye for the strike zone, Crews could be in an MLB lineup today.
If there was a weakness with Crews, it may be if he projects to centerfield. Some scouts see Crews as a corner outfielder with a plus arm, while others say he can handle centerfield at the major league level.
It has been a while since we have seen an outfielder with that kind of potential from the right side of the plate. There is only one player Draft 412 can even say possesses his attributes and that is Los Angeles Angels centerfielder, Mike Trout. Players like Dylan Crews just do not come around very often.
Final Analysis
Dylan Crews should be the first overall pick of the draft. Not since Barry Bonds have the Pirates had a chance to grab an outfielder with this kind of pedigree. In an organization that needs outfield help, this is a no-brainer.
Round 1- #1 overall/ #1 on Draft 412 list.