The Philadelphia Phillies may have a veteran roster, but there will be an infusion of youth in 2026. The superstars need to perform, but the team will be counting on some of their young talent to produce.
Top outfield prospect Justin Crawford is expected to have a large role with the Phillies this upcoming season, and top prospect Andrew Painter should finally join the starting rotation. Aidan Miller, the organization’s top infield prospect, may also have an opportunity with the big league club in 2026.
Aidan Miller could force his way into Phillies’ lineup in 2026
The Phillies have high hopes for Miller. The 21-year-old was the team’s first-round draft pick in 2023 and has already made it to Triple-A.
Miller projects to be an above-average hitter in the majors. The Phillies fully believe that he can put up elite numbers at the next level.
There isn’t much room for Miller in the Phillies’ current infield configuration. Bryce Harper and Trea Turner are locked into long-term contracts, and Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott are both still on the roster, despite being in trade rumors.
Miller is the Phillies’ No. 2 prospect, per MLB Pipeline. He’s a .265 career hitter across five minor league levels.
The 2025 season didn’t go exactly as planned for Miller. After earning a late-season promotion to Double-A Reading in 2024, he began this past season there.
It was a slow start for Miller with the Fightin Phils as he hit just .217 through July 26. He turned it up a notch and hit .361 from July 27 through Sept. 7 before his late-season promotion to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Although it was a small sample size, Miller’s adjustment to Triple-A was a lot quicker than it was to Double-A. He hit .333 with a 1.033 OPS and seven stolen bases in eight games with the IronPigs to close out the 2025 season.
If he has a good spring and a hot start to the season in Triple-A, Miller could get a fast promotion to the big leagues in 2026. The Phillies’ infield is crowded, but they’ll make it work if he’s performing at a high level.
Miller has only played shortstop in the minors, which complicates things with Turner under contract through 2033. If Bohm or Stott are traded this offseason or during the season at the trade deadline, it would open an immediate spot for Miller to join the big league club.
The Phillies may have to do some shuffling around the diamond when Miller is ready to make his debut, but it will be worth it for a player of his caliber.