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Three weeks into the 2025 regular season, Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews will head to Pittsburgh to face former college teammate Paul Skenes, the much more familiar face of LSU baseball.

Skenes, the power pitcher selected No. 1 ahead of Crews in a mildly debated pick in the 2023 draft, made his arrival last season in a dominant debut with the Pirates. He started the All-Star Game for the National League and was named Rookie of the Year. Teammates for one season in Baton Rouge and twice on Team USA rosters, Crews and Skenes are friends, former workout partners and soon-to-be foes.

They’re also destined to be measured against each other — and other gems — from the 2023 draft class being hailed as potential all-time great collection of talent.

It appeared their first matchup would take place late last season. Crews smacked a 404-foot home run in a doubleheader with Skenes in the home dugout on Sept. 7, but that was as close as they got to a head-to-head encounter.

“You hear about it, but whenever that is, we’ll be ready for it,” Crews said.

Skenes’ turn in the Pirates’ rotation would put the former Tigers face-to-face at PNC Park in the afternoon finale of a four-game series April 17.

Crews, 22, emphasized staying “present” and walking his baseball journey one step at a time. That blocks him from envisioning official at-bats against Skenes that are no closer than two months away.

He debuted with the Nationals on Aug. 24, 2024. Crews hit .218 with three home runs, 12 stolen bases and eight RBIs with the Nationals last season. In his final series of 2024, he went 6-for-10 — highlighted by a triple off righty Aaron Nola — with three runs, two stolen bases and two walks against the Phillies.

In 2025, he’ll be fully prepared to go from 31 games to everyday right fielder in Washington. He said knowing what to expect brings comfort and confidence.

“I feel like this year, I have a good feeling of what to do and how the whole thing operates. Now, it’s just full go from here,” Crews said.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez played in the outfield, so he knows a good one when he sees one. He called Crews’ defense “exceptional” and praised his base-running instincts and speed. Crews had 12 stolen bases in just over one month with the MLB club.

He also came to camp noticeable thicker. Crews said he was around 190 when he got the call last August and weighed 205 when he reported to spring training in West Palm Beach.

Crews is part of a fast-moving current of prospects in camp with the Nationals. MLB Pipeline ranked Crews fourth behind Roki Sasaki (Dodgers) and outfielders Roman Anthony (Red Sox) and Walker Jenkins (Twins). Washington right-handers Travis Sykora (70) and Jarlin Susana (79) are also listed among the top 80 prospects in the league.

Measuring the results of the draft decision between Skenes and Crews won’t be a single-season exercise. There are others angling to join the conversation from the same class. No. 4 pick Wyatt Langford (Rangers) hit 16 home runs and collected 126 hits for Texas as a rookie last season.

Jenkins, the fifth pick in 2023 out of South Brunswick (North Carolina) High School, was taken two spots behind outfielder Max Clark. Clark came off the board a pick after Crews and is two spots behind him on the MLB Pipeline prospect rankings. The 13th pick in ’23, Matt Shaw (Maryland), is the frontrunner for the Cubs third base job on Opening Day. White Sox catcher Kyle Teel, acquired from the Red Sox and the No. 14 pick, is also expected to make noise in the Windy City. Georgia Tech shortstop Kristian Campbell (pick 132) is pushing for a job with the Red Sox this season. He’s currently ranked No. 7 by MLB Pipeline.

“That class has been really special,” Martinez said in September. “I’m glad that we’ve got one of them in Dylan Crews. I think this kid is going to be really special.”

–Field Level Media