Phillies Invite Prospects Aidan Miller, Justin Crawford to MLB Camp

The Philadelphia Phillies just dropped their list of non-roster invitees for Major League Spring Training. It’s a pretty clear signal about what they’re focusing on as the new season approaches.

This year, the Phillies seem all-in on young, high-upside talent. They’re not treating camp as just a tune-up for veterans—it’s more like a big audition for prospects who might shape the team’s future.

Phillies Announce 27 Non-Roster Invitees

They’ve named 27 non-roster invitees for big-league camp. The group covers every position and features some of the farm system’s most exciting players.

Here’s the breakdown: five catchers, eight infielders, four outfielders, five right-handed pitchers, and four lefties. It’s a good spread.

Spring training invites sometimes feel ceremonial, but this year feels different. Manager Rob Thomson and club officials have said roster spots aren’t locked in, so anyone who impresses could stick around.

Justin Crawford Headlines the Group

Justin Crawford stands out among the invitees. He’s just 22, and a lot of folks see him as the Phillies’ center fielder of the future.

Thomson says Crawford will get every chance to compete for a spot this spring. That’s a big deal for a guy not even on the 40-man roster yet.

Crawford crushed it at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2024. He hit .334 with an .863 OPS, mixing speed, contact, and a bit of pop.

The Phillies hope Crawford can be their everyday center fielder by 2026. But if he explodes this spring, who knows? Maybe that plan moves up.

Aidan Miller and the Infield Pipeline

Another big name is Aidan Miller, their first-round pick from the 2023 MLB Draft. Miller spent most of 2024 at Double-A Reading, then got a late bump up to Lehigh Valley.

Miller’s Defensive Role Takes Shape

Miller has played exclusively at shortstop in the minors. The Phillies clearly trust his glove at one of the toughest spots on the field.

He’s not a finished product, but getting him around MLB pitching and routines can only help. That’s what these invites are for, right?

There’s also Aroon Escobar, an infielder who quietly had a strong 2024 across three levels. Escobar, who just turned 21, hit .270 with 15 homers and 24 steals while moving between Single-A Clearwater, High-A Jersey Shore, and Double-A Reading.

Depth, Versatility, and Opportunity

Escobar does a bit of everything. He’s mainly a second baseman, but he’s filled in at shortstop and third, too.

That kind of flexibility is exactly what the Phillies want as they figure out the roster puzzle. They seem to value players who can handle multiple roles, not just specialists.

Notable Names and Pitching Depth

There are a few familiar names beyond the top prospects. Outfielders like Dylan Campbell, Bryan De La Cruz, and Dante Nori will join Crawford in camp.

On the pitching side, Génesis Cabrera and Trevor Richards bring some experience to the mix.

One name missing? Andrew Painter. He’s not on the invitee list because the Phillies already put him on the 40-man roster earlier this offseason.

Painter’s still in the mix for an Opening Day spot, which shows just how close he is to making an impact in the majors.

A Clear Message from the Front Office

The Phillies’ messaging around this announcement feels pretty deliberate. This isn’t a camp packed with placeholders.

The team’s making it clear: young players who step up will get a shot at the big-league roster. Even better, they’ll actually get to play regularly—not just sit on the bench.

This spring training matters a lot for a franchise trying to win now but also build for the long haul. If just one or two of these non-roster invitees make enough noise to force their way into the conversation, the Phillies’ roster could look different—maybe even sooner than anyone expects.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Phillies invite top prospects SS Miller, OF Crawford to Major League camp