Nationals Option Dylan Crews, No. 2 Pick in 2023, to Triple-A The Washington Nationals have sent outfielder Dylan Crews to Triple-A Rochester, a move that was initially seen as unlikely but ultimately decided as part of their strategy to manage the development of their young talent. Crews, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, struggled during spring training, leading to his demotion just a week before Opening Day. Manager Blake Butera emphasized the team’s confidence in Crews, stating that the decision was made to prioritize his growth and the organization’s long-term goals. Crews, 24, has faced challenges in his major league debut, posting a .211 batting average with a .634 OPS through 116 games. His minor league performance, which included only 652 plate appearances before his call-up, and a left oblique injury that sidelined him for nearly three months in 2025, have contributed to his struggles. Despite his offensive limitations, Crews has been a valuable asset in the clubhouse, excelling as a base runner and team leader. However, the high expectations placed on him as a key figure for the Nationals have created pressure that the team believes is best addressed in Triple-A. Butera highlighted that Crews has embraced the demotion, viewing it as an opportunity to focus on his development without the distractions of a large fan base. The manager noted Crews’ maturity and professionalism, assuring that the move would not negatively impact his mindset. “He’s very mature, he’s a pro, he’s a confident kid,” Butera said. “We don’t have any real concerns that this will affect his mentality negatively.” The manager also mentioned that Crews has often fallen behind in the count during spring training, and the team plans to work with him in Rochester to refine his approach at the plate.#washington_nationals #blake_butera #dylan_crews #triple_a_rochester #2023_mlb_draft
DRAFT PICK OPTIONED TO TRIPLE-A AS NATIONALS MAKE SPRING CAMP MOVES The Washington Nationals made a notable roster adjustment as spring training neared its conclusion, sending outfielder Dylan Crews to Triple-A Rochester on Friday. The decision came after Crews, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 Draft, struggled to make an impact in his first 12 Grapefruit League games, posting a .103/.206/.103 slash line with a .309 OPS. Manager Blake Butera acknowledged the difficulty of the move, emphasizing the team’s confidence in Crews’ potential. Crews, who joined the majors in August 2024, faced challenges in his first full season with the Nationals, batting .208 in 85 games. His performance in spring training, combined with previous struggles, led to the decision. Butera noted that Crews’ response to the news was professional, with the player expressing commitment to improving in Triple-A. “He took it like a pro,” Butera said. “He understood the plan and is ready to work on the adjustments our hitting group will outline for him.” The move aims to provide Crews with a focused environment to refine his offensive approach. Butera highlighted Crews’ recent progress, including a five-pitch walk in his first at-bat against the Cardinals. The manager also stressed that the decision was not a reflection of Crews’ value to the team, stating, “We envision him running in from the outfield to that dog pile” during potential playoff runs. Crews will join Triple-A Rochester’s outfield rotation, where he will play all three positions alongside Robert Hassell III and Andrew Pinckney, a No. 19 prospect. Butera praised Crews’ defensive skills, calling him a “plus-defender,” and hopes the reduced pressure will allow him to focus on improving his hitting.#washington_nationals #blake_butera #dylan_crews #triple_a_rochester #robert_hassell_iii
