Dylan Crews has rapidly ascended the ranks of baseball, captivating fans and scouts alike with his exceptional talent and dynamic skillset. From his dominant college career at Louisiana State University (LSU) to his highly anticipated entry into Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Washington Nationals, Crews has consistently demonstrated the qualities of a future star.
This article explores the journey of Dylan Crews, highlighting his amateur achievements, his standout performance in college, his selection in the MLB draft, and his early professional career, addressing the key aspects that have generated significant online interest.
Early Life and High School Excellence
Born on February 26, 2002, in Altamonte Springs, Florida, Dylan Crews developed a passion for baseball at a young age. He attended Lake Mary High School in Lake Mary, Florida, where he quickly established himself as a premier talent. A four-year letter winner, Crews showcased his five-tool potential, excelling in hitting for average and power, running, fielding, and throwing.
During his high school career, Crews garnered numerous accolades, solidifying his status as a top prospect in the 2020 MLB draft class. He participated in prestigious national events such as the Perfect Game All-American Classic and the Under Armour All-American Game in 2019. Additionally, he was named the 2020 Seminole Athletic Conference Player of the Year, further underscoring his dominance at the high school level.
Despite the buzz surrounding his draft potential, Crews made a significant decision to withdraw from the 2020 MLB draft and honor his commitment to LSU. This choice allowed him to further develop his skills in a competitive collegiate environment and ultimately positioned him for an even higher draft selection later in his career.
Dominance in the SEC: A Star is Born at LSU
Dylan Crews’s career at LSU was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment he stepped onto the field as a freshman in 2021, he became an immediate impact player for the Tigers. Starting all 63 games in his freshman season, primarily as a right fielder, Crews set an LSU freshman record with 18 home runs, surpassing the previous mark set by Mike Fontenot.
His impressive slash line of .362/.453/.663, along with 42 RBIs and 12 stolen bases, earned him All-American honors and the distinction of National Freshman of the Year by Perfect Game. He also represented the United States on the Collegiate National Team that summer, further showcasing his burgeoning talent.
In his sophomore season in 2022, Crews transitioned to center field and continued his offensive onslaught. He was named the co-Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Year alongside Sonny DiChiara, batting .349/.463/.691 with 22 home runs and 72 RBIs. His exceptional performance earned him another invitation to the U.S. Collegiate National Team.
Crews’s junior season in 2023 was legendary, solidifying his place as one of the top prospects in the nation. He led the Tigers to victory in the 2023 Men’s College World Series and was awarded the prestigious Golden Spikes Award, recognizing him as the best amateur baseball player in the United States.
His staggering offensive numbers included a .426 batting average, a .567 on-base percentage, and a .713 slugging percentage, with 18 home runs, 70 RBIs, and an NCAA-leading 100 runs scored. He was also named the SEC Player of the Year for the second consecutive season and earned numerous other accolades, including consensus First-Team All-American honors.
The 2023 MLB Draft: A Coveted Pick
Following his remarkable college career, Dylan Crews was widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2023 MLB draft. Many scouting outlets, including MLB Pipeline, Baseball America, and Perfect Game, projected him to be the first overall selection. Ultimately, he was chosen second overall by the Washington Nationals, making history alongside his LSU teammate Paul Skenes, who was selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates. This marked the first time that teammates were chosen with the top two picks in the MLB draft.
Crews signed with the Nationals for a signing bonus of $9 million, the second-highest bonus in MLB draft history, underscoring the organization’s belief in his potential as a future cornerstone player.
Professional Debut and Early Career
After signing with the Nationals, Crews began his professional career in the minor leagues in 2023. He quickly progressed through the system, showcasing his talent at various levels. He was named the Carolina League Player of the Week in his first week in Single-A Fredericksburg and was later promoted to Double-A Harrisburg. In 35 minor league games in 2023, he posted a combined slash line of .292/.377/.467 with five home runs and 24 RBIs.
Crews started the 2024 season in Double-A Harrisburg, where he continued to impress, hitting .274 with five home runs and 38 RBIs in 63 games, also stealing 15 bases. He was promoted to Triple-A Rochester in June 2024 and made his MLB debut with the Washington Nationals on August 26, 2024. In his rookie season with the Nationals, he played in 31 games, hitting .
218 with three home runs, eight RBIs, and 12 stolen bases. He was recognized as Washington’s Minor League Hitter of the Year and finished the season ranked as the No. 1 prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline.
The 2025 season marks Crews’s first full season in the major leagues. Through the first part of the season (as of April 23, 2025), he has shown flashes of his potential while adjusting to the highest level of competition. In 20 games, he has hit .189 with three home runs, five RBIs, and six stolen bases. While his batting average is still developing, his power and speed are evident, and he continues to learn and refine his approach at the plate.
Player Profile and Potential
Dylan Crews is widely considered a true five-tool player, possessing a rare combination of hitting ability, power, speed, fielding prowess, and arm strength. Scouts have lauded his quick right-handed swing, his ability to hit for both average and power, and his developing understanding of the strike zone. He has the speed and instincts to be an effective base-stealer and an excellent outfielder, with the potential to play center field at the major league level.
His collegiate statistics speak volumes about his offensive capabilities, and his minor league performance further validated his potential against professional pitching. While he is still in the early stages of his MLB career, the Washington Nationals and baseball fans around the world are eagerly anticipating his continued development and his emergence as a potential superstar in the league. His work ethic, his dedication to the game, and his exceptional talent suggest a bright future for Dylan Crews in Major League Baseball.
FAQs
What was Dylan Crews’ high school career like?
Dylan Crews attended Lake Mary High School in Florida, where he was a four-year letter winner and a standout player. As a junior in 2019, he hit .389 with 15 stolen bases and participated in the Under Armour All-American Game at Wrigley Field. Despite his senior season being shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he was considered a top prospect for the 2020 MLB draft.
Why did Dylan Crews not enter the 2020 MLB draft?
Despite being a highly ranked prospect, Dylan Crews chose to withdraw from the 2020 MLB draft to honor his commitment to Louisiana State University (LSU). This decision allowed him to further develop his skills in a collegiate setting.
What were some of Dylan Crews’ achievements at LSU?
Crews had a phenomenal career at LSU. He set an LSU freshman record with 18 home runs in 2021 and was named National Freshman of the Year by Perfect Game. In 2023, he won the Golden Spikes Award, led LSU to a College World Series title, and was named SEC Player of the Year for the second consecutive time.
Where was Dylan Crews drafted in the 2023 MLB draft?
Dylan Crews was selected second overall in the 2023 MLB draft by the Washington Nationals. He was one of the top prospects in the class and signed with the Nationals for a $9 million signing bonus.
When did Dylan Crews make his MLB debut?
Dylan Crews made his Major League Baseball debut for the Washington Nationals on August 26, 2024, in a game against the New York Yankees.
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