J.P. Crawford

J.P. Crawford Bio

John Paul Crawford is an American professional baseball shortstop for the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on January 11, 1995, in Long Beach, California, he showed remarkable potential as a young athlete at Lakewood High School. Drafted as a first-round pick by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2013, Crawford quickly ascended the minors due to his talent and was known for his defense. After a trade to the Mariners in 2018, he earned a Gold Glove Award in 2020 and continues to play a vital role for Seattle.

Early Life and Background

Crawford was born on January 11, 1995, in Long Beach, California, to Beth and Larry Crawford. His father, a former professional football defensive back, was a four-time All-Star in the Canadian Football League and won the Grey Cup with the BC Lions in 1985. Crawford’s mother received a scholarship offer to play college volleyball. Growing up in Lakewood, California, Crawford attended Lakewood High School where he played baseball as a freshman and set several team records by the end of his senior year, leading in career hits (179), runs scored (162), stolen bases (73) and walks (72).

During his senior year, Crawford’s mother was diagnosed with throat cancer, and he would regularly drive her to chemotherapy treatment. Crawford accepted a scholarship offer to play college baseball with the University of Southern California Trojans but chose to play professionally instead. Growing up, Crawford was a Los Angeles Dodgers fan, and Derek Jeter was his favorite player. Both of Crawford’s sisters played collegiate sports at Cal State Fullerton – his older sister played softball, and his younger sister played volleyball.

Path to Baseball

In 2009, Crawford began attending Lakewood High School. Baseball coach Spud O’Neil recalled Crawford “was 6’2″ and skinny as a rail” but recognized his flair defensively and installed Crawford at shortstop as a freshman. Crawford was involved in baseball programs for youth in nearby Compton, including the Urban Youth Academy and Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities. By 2011, in his junior year, Crawford was evaluated by Marti Wolever, the assistant general manager of the Philadelphia Phillies. The discovery was inadvertent – Wolever was scouting another Lakewood prospect, pitcher Shane Watson.

The Phillies selected Crawford in the first round, 16th overall, of the 2013 MLB draft, and he signed on June 18, receiving a $2.3 million signing bonus. The Phillies had high expectations for Crawford, including becoming the eventual long-term replacement for former MVP shortstop Jimmy Rollins. Crawford made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast Phillies of the Gulf Coast League, where he led the league in both batting average (.345) and on-base percentage (.443).

J.P. Crawford Career

Early Career (2017-2018)

Crawford was promoted to the Phillies on September 5, 2017, making his MLB debut playing at third base. He went 1-for-5, hitting into a fielder’s choice in his first at bat, before singling to center field in the fifth inning. The Phillies won, 9-1. Manager Pete Mackanin rotated Crawford between shortstop, third base, and second base during the final month of the season. He batted .214 with six RBIs in 23 games. Crawford became the Phillies’ 2018 Opening Day shortstop after the team traded Freddy Galvis to the San Diego Padres in December 2017.

In 2018, Crawford struggled during his first 20 games, batting .190 while committing five errors. He was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a strained right forearm in late April. After returning, he shared starts at third base with Maikel Franco as Scott Kingery became the team’s primary shortstop. On June 19, Crawford was hit by a pitch, breaking his left hand and returning him to the DL. He finished his rookie season batting .214 with three home runs and 12 RBIs in limited action.

Seattle Mariners Breakthrough (2019-Present)

On December 3, 2018, the Phillies traded Crawford and Carlos Santana to the Seattle Mariners for Jean Segura, James Pazos, and Juan Nicasio. Crawford said the trade “saved his career” and that he had negative interactions with Philadelphia fans, whom he called “ruthless.” He began the 2019 season with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. On May 10, the Mariners called up Crawford following an impressive stretch in Tacoma when he hit .319/.420/.457 with 7 doubles, 3 home runs, and 15 RBI.

Crawford made his Mariners debut the same day against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. His first home run as a Mariner came off Michael Pineda of the Minnesota Twins on May 16. He spent the rest of the season as the starting shortstop for Seattle, hitting .226 with 7 home runs and 46 RBI in 93 games. In 2020, Crawford batted .255/.336/.338 with two home runs, 24 RBIs, and 33 runs scored in 53 games during the pandemic-shortened season. He won the Gold Glove Award as the best defensive shortstop in the American League (AL).

Playing Style and Strengths

Crawford is known for his disciplined approach at the plate, leading the American League in walks in 2023 with 94 free passes. He has developed into a consistent offensive contributor with power potential, hitting a career-high 19 home runs in 2023. While his defense has been recognized with a Gold Glove Award, advanced metrics have occasionally rated him as below average defensively in recent years. His versatility allows him to play multiple infield positions effectively.

Notable Events and Milestones

Crawford set several significant milestones during his Mariners career. On March 22, 2022, he signed a $4.85 million contract, avoiding salary arbitration, then signed a five-year, $51 million contract extension through 2026. On June 19, 2021, he hit his first MLB grand slam off of Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Josh Fleming. In 2025, he became the franchise leader in games played at shortstop, surpassing Alex Rodriguez. He also homered in that game on July 10.

J.P. Crawford Career Wins

Crawford has compiled a solid MLB career with both the Philadelphia Phillies and Seattle Mariners, establishing himself as a consistent contributor at shortstop. His offensive production has improved over time, particularly after joining Seattle, where he has developed into a leadoff hitter with power and plate discipline.

Highlights

Crawford’s most significant offensive achievement came in 2023 when he hit a career-high 19 home runs and led the American League with 94 walks. That season, he hit three walk-off hits, including a grand slam in September. He has shown clutch performance in postseason play, hitting a home run off Justin Verlander in Game 1 of the 2022 ALDS and delivering a game-tying, bases-clearing double in the Wild Card Series against Toronto.

Other Wins & Performances

Crawford’s defensive highlight came in 2020 when he won a Gold Glove Award, recognizing him as the best defensive shortstop in the American League. His most notable individual achievement in 2025 was hitting a walk-off home run to beat the Rangers on August 1. Crawford also set a franchise record for games played at shortstop in 2025, surpassing Alex Rodriguez.

J.P. Crawford Family

Family Background and Baseball Lineage

Crawford has a strong sports background. His father, Larry Crawford, was a professional football defensive back and a four-time CFL All-Star who won the Grey Cup in 1985. Crawford’s mother received a scholarship offer to play college volleyball. Crawford’s first cousin, once removed is former MLB All-Star Carl Crawford. His second cousin and Carl’s son, Justin Crawford, was also a Phillies first-round draft pick in 2022 and debuted in MLB in 2026.

Personal Life

Crawford and his wife married on December 11, 2021. Their daughter was born on December 4, 2024. They live in Woodinville, Washington, with pet huskies named Loki and Alaina. Crawford said his dogs can recognize him when he is interviewed on TV. Another pet husky, Thor, died in August 2025. Crawford is a founder of Baseball Generations, an organization promoting baseball players in underserved communities. He was the Mariners’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award in 2024 and 2025 for his philanthropy.

2025 Season Performance

Crawford had a strong 2025 season, hitting .265/.352/.370 with 12 home runs, 58 RBI, and a career-high 8 stolen bases. After the first month, he was moved back up to the leadoff spot and hit his franchise-record third first-pitch home run on May 4. On July 10, he set a franchise record for games played at shortstop, surpassing Alex Rodriguez. In late August, Crawford became the longest-tenured current Mariner after Dylan Moore was released. He ranked in the top 10 in the AL in walks, singles, and sacrifice bunts.

Crawford contributed significantly in the postseason, pulling a home run in Game 3 of the ALDS against the Detroit Tigers. In Game 5, he singled and scored the winning run in the bottom of the 15th inning, sending the Mariners to the AL Championship Series for the first time since 2001. His ability to deliver in clutch situations proved crucial to the Mariners’ playoff run.