The Philadelphia Phillies have several prospects looking to make a positive impression this year in spring training. Two of them, Justin Crawford and Andrew Painter, are both on track to make the Opening Day roster. Another of their top young players, Aidan Miller, could debut later in the regular season. He recently received positive comments from a former Phillies infielder who also served as their manager several years ago.
The Phillies selected Miller with the 27th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. The 21-year-old has played shortstop during his minor league career and has demonstrated his speed on the basepaths. His potential continues to impress others in the organization.
Phillies' Aidan Miller receives praise from Phillies' Wall of Famer Larry Bowa
On Pattison's Tim Kelly asked Phillies legend Larry Bowa about his impressions so far regarding the club's top infield prospect.
"[Miller's] pretty good," Bowa said. "I don't like to say can't miss, but if he progresses the way we're watching him now, this guy's going to be special."
🎙️Larry Bowa talks secrets to his longevity, Aidan Miller and Justin Crawford w/ @TimKellySports pic.twitter.com/WniZEuS8hp
— OnPattison (@OnPattison) February 14, 2026
Following struggles in Double-A Reading in the first half last season, Miller turned his season around in August with four home runs, 16 RBIs, and a .348/.454/.629 slash line with a 1.083 OPS. He slashed .370/.554/.565 in September and earned a late-season promotion to Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
When MLB Pipeline unveiled its updated Top 100 prospect list in January, MLB Network's Steve Phillips spoke highly of the Phillies top prospect, who ranks No. 23 overall.
"Some of the comparisons are Alex Bregman, but with speed," Phillips said. "Great plate discipline, pitch recognition, he's got pop in the bat, he's got athleticism, he can play solid defensively … Aidan Miller's part of the future. When he got drafted, there was a veteran Phillies scout that said that he's the best position player prospect that they've drafted since Mike Schmidt. That's what they think about him."
The Dunedin, Florida, native may debut with the Phillies during the 2026 regular season. With Trea Turner at shortstop, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has said that they could play Miller at second or third base.
Considering Alec Bohm is entering his final season under contract, and he isn't a lock to finish the regular season with the organization, the Phillies may put Miller at third base if he's promoted to the club this year. He'll get plenty of reps a the hot corner this spring.
Expectations for Miller continue to grow. The 21-year-old has a lot to live up to once he is promoted and adjusts to the majors. However, he looks more than capable of doing so, especially according to Bowa.