When Philadelphia Phillies pitchers and catchers reported to spring training on Wednesday, there were plenty of position players who showed up to start their season early. Despite not having to officially report until Feb. 16, Phillies No. 1 prospect Aidan Miller got to camp on Day 1 and didn't waste any time getting situated in the clubhouse. And wouldn't you know it, his locker happens to be right next to Bryce Harper's.
That locker placement isn't a mistake. The Phillies obviously thought this through. The team is excited about Miller and the hype among fans has already been building, despite Miller not having a place to play with the big club to begin the regular season.
Who better than Harper to help the 21-year-old shortstop navigate the beginning of a career that will undoubtedly draw a lot of attention?
"I was pretty surprised," Miller said about seeing his locker next to Harper's. "I thought I was going to be in the back right corner again but when I saw that [it was next to Harper] it was pretty cool to me. He's a player I watched growing up and got to know him a little bit last year, so I'm excited to see how he is as a guy."
Bryce Harper a perfect spring training mentor for Phillies No. 1 prospect Aidan Miller
Harper, who debuted in the majors at 19, was a generational prospect who had already had eyes on him for years before beginning his big league career. He learned how to navigate life in Major League Baseball with the guidance of veterans in Washington. Now 33, Harper has the chance to take on that role with Miller this spring.
Harper isn't the only veteran the Phillies plunked Miller next to. He's literally surrounded by veteran stars who have all accomplished so much in the game, according to On Pattison's Tim Kelly. Next to Harper's locker is shortstop Trea Turner. On Miller's other side he has catcher J.T. Realmuto and venerated slugger Kyle Schwarber.
But there's no doubt that Harper is the reason that Miller's locker is where it is.
"It's awesome," Miller said of having Harper as a mentor. "He was in my shoes at one point, and just want to pick his brain about things that he's been through and the journey he's had. It's been an incredible career for him. So I'm excited to be a fly on the wall next to him, see how he goes about his business."
Aidan Miller, the Phillies highest ranked prospect, is excited to have his locker next to Bryce Harper in Clearwater. 💪 pic.twitter.com/Vu5SKjfNV2
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) February 11, 2026
This is technically Miller's third time in big league camp (although he just made a single-game appearance in 2024). Last spring as a 20-year-old he had a place in the clubhouse and got into eight Grapefruit League games before heading back to minor league camp.
Now Miller's excited for a chance to really show what he can do as he inches closer to his inevitable MLB debut.
"Last year, I got my feet under me a little bit here, just getting to know everybody, get comfortable over here," Miller said. "But you know I am comfortable here and know everybody a little bit more. I'm excited to come in here and compete."
While Miller won't make the Opening Day roster, barring a rash of injuries, there's a good chance that he'll get an opportunity for a call-up later this season. The Phillies are planning to play him a lot at third base, a new position for him, this spring, giving him another avenue to get to the majors. They'll still need to see him succeed in Triple-A, but his cameo with Lehigh Valley at the end of 2025 was an encouraging sign.
In eight games with the IronPigs, Miller hit .333 with a 1.032 OPS, one home run and seven steals. After riding the struggle bus in Double-A for the first part of the season, he turned things around and finished his 2025 campaign with a .264 batting average, an .825, 14 home runs, and 59 stolen bases in 116 games.
While it's anyone's guess how the rest of Miller's career will unfold from here, starting out by hanging next to Bryce Harper every day certainly won't hurt.