With the 27th pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, the Philadelphia Phillies select Aidan Miller from J.W. Mitchell High School in Florida. Miller was drafted as a shortstop, but has primarily played third base throughout his career. His brother Jackson was a 2nd round pick in the 2020 Major League Baseball draft by the Cincinnati Reds.
Player Profile
Age: 19
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 210
Hit: Right
Throw: Right
Committed: Arkansas
Scouting Report
Offensively
Miller was ranked as the 13th best prospect in this year's draft due to his incredible strength he has at the plate. Looking at the prospects in this year's draft, Miller has some if not the fastest bat speed in this class. He elite hand speed makes the long ball look effortless for him. During the All-star game in 2022 in Los Angelas, Miller took home the All-American Game MVP honors, while he also won the Home Run Derby.
Miller's elite hand speed at this stage of his career is something to keep an eye on. We have seen over the years that have his level of hand speed but struggle once they reach the MLB with top velocity pitchers. Not saying this will make Miller a bust, but this is something to keep an eye on for. Even with this small area of concern, his offensive production is incredible.
Defensively
Miller was drafted as a shortstop but has played most of his time at third base and has played a little bit of ball at first base. He has elite strength while hitting, and his strength also is evident while he is in the field. He has terrific hands in the field and a rocket of an arm. He equips all the defensive tools you would want to see in a 3rd baseman.
Final Thoughts
The Phillies hit a home run on this pick. Miller is the 13th rated prospect in this year's draft, and the Phillies were able to select him at 27. He has top tier strength for both the field and at bat. He is recovering from a hand injury that held him out for most of his senior season, but the injury is expected to not play a factor and he is ready to go.
My favorite thing I love about Miller is at 19, his swing looks better than some MLB guys. He swings with so much speed and confidence. When reading about him, every article raves about how confident he plays and how he always plays up to his competition.
Overall, I think Miller is going to be a future big leaguer. I know there is still a chance he does not sign with the Phillies and he goes to Arkansas, but Miller is the real deal. He is still 5-6 years away from making any MLB roster, but he has the exact tools teams look for in a 3rd baseman. Strong arm, good hands, and elite hitting. I am not sure what their plan is for the future at 3rd base, but Miller should be part of their plan.