Dugas shows up to support Crews for debut

This story was excerpted from Jessica Camerato’s Nationals Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

WASHINGTON – Gavin Dugas wears No. 7 on the High-A Wilmington Blue Rocks.

On Monday, though, Dugas proudly donned a different look at Nationals Park. He sported a Nationals No. 3 jersey for the Major League debut of Dylan Crews (the Nats' No. 1 prospect and No. 3 overall, per MLB Pipeline).

“That’s my best friend,” Dugas said. “You can’t miss that. It’s a magical moment. I was fortunate to have an off-day today, so it worked out pretty good.”

Dugas and members of the Blue Rocks made the trip to Washington, D.C., to see Crews’ first big league game in person. Dugas was one of many friends and family wearing a Crews jersey as they excitedly watched him take batting practice.

“He’s been saying he was never going to miss this day,” Crews said. “It shows what kind of friend he is. He’s a great dude, and it was pretty awesome to see he was here.”

Dugas, 24, and Crews, 22, were teammates at LSU from 2021-23. They won the 2023 College World Series, and they were both named to the All-Tournament Team.

“We had a game in college called three-man ball, a [batting practice] game we would do,” Crews recounted. “Before I got to campus, he made sure that I got drafted to his team. That’s the first time I met Gavin, and we’ve just been good friends ever since.”

They were linked again in the 2023 MLB Draft. The Nationals selected Crews with the No. 2 overall pick, and they drafted Dugas in the sixth round.

“[Our friendship is] very special,” said Crews. “We work out together in the offseason, we go on vacations together. It was just fortunate that we got drafted to the same team. He’s an unbelievable person, and I’m excited to share the journey with him.”

Crews and Dugas were teammates on the Single-A Fredericksburg Nationals last season, following the Draft. Crews was promoted directly to Double-A Harrisburg after just 14 games. He was invited to Major League Spring Training, and he played 100 games in the Minor Leagues this season before being called up from Triple-A Rochester on Monday.

“Honestly, it was expected,” said Dugas. “Nothing surprised me to where he’s at now. It’s all been awesome. He’s on the right path, and he’s doing the right things along that way.”

Through all the accolades Crews has garnered – including the 2023 Golden Spikes Award – Dugas appreciates Crews for being far more than a standout outfielder.

“The person that you see is the same person you see outside of the field,” Dugas said. “He’s a great guy just because [he's] true to himself and he’s true to other people.”

The day following Crews’ debut, Dugas returned to action with the Blue Rocks, going 1-for-4 at Frawley Stadium. He is looking forward to finishing the season strong to continue on the same path as his best friend.

“It’s great to just be a part of his life and be able to do things like this,” Dugas said. “It couldn’t have come at a more perfect time.”