The Dylan Crews era in Washington has begun. The Nationals prospect made his MLB debut on Monday. After going 0-for-3 with a walk, Crews got his first Major League hit in his second go-around Tuesday night.
Crews launched a double to left field off New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole in his first at-bat of the night. Crews hooked a 2-0 cutter from Cole into the base of the left field wall.
Every baseball player remembers his first major league hit. Crews will have a nice story behind his, ripping a double off the reigning 2023 AL Cy Young. Cole has built an impeccable resume as a former No. 1 overall pick with six All-Star nods and three first-team All-MLB selections. Thus, Crews will have some stature getting his first hit off Cole.
Dylan Crews has arrived
The Nationals selected Crews with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. Crews had a stellar collegiate career at LSU as a two-time SEC Player of the Year. He also was awarded the 2023 Golden Spikes Award while guiding the Tigers to a Men’s World Series title.
Crews became a core piece of the Nationals’ revamped outfield of young prospects.
He fast-tracked through the minors, hitting .275/.351/.455 with 18 home runs, 30 doubles, and 97 RBIs in 135 games.
Now, Crews joins fellow outfield prospects James Wood and Jacob Young on the Nationals’ roster. Ironically, Crews flew out to Juan Soto in his first at-bat. Soto was once the Nats’ premiere outfield prospect.
Crews drew a walk, but the first game was an experience for the 22-year-old. Tuesday, he got to business. First, he checked off his first MLB. Later in the sixth inning, Crews scored his first MLB run after some nifty baserunning. Crews hit a chopper in front of home plate before taking off to first. His speed forced Yankees catcher Jose Trevino to rush his throw that sailed into right field. The throw allowed Crews to reach second base.
Then, Crews stole third base during the next at-bat. That set the table as Crews scored after Joey Gallo’s grounder got booted by DJ LeMahieu.
A double, stolen base, and run scored — Crews may remember his second game more fondly than his debut.
