Top Phillies prospect Aidan Miller is dealing with a minor setback early this spring, but the buzz surrounding his potential impact on the major league roster remains high.
Here is a breakdown of the situation:
Miller is currently sidelined with a sore back. While he was originally slated to play in Saturday’s lineup against the Pirates, the Phillies are taking a cautious approach. Despite the injury, Bryce Harper fueled the hype during a Sunday in-game interview, jokingly telling Miller to “get off his butt” before adding, “I need him to get healthy because he can help us by the end.”
Miller is expected to start the season with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs. While he currently trails Justin Crawford and Andrew Painter in readiness, his path to the majors is becoming clearer:
Short-term: He is a prime candidate for a September call-up or emergency injury depth.
Long-term: Though he currently plays shortstop, the Phillies view him as the heir apparent to third base in 2027, coinciding with Alec Bohm’s scheduled free agency.
The Turner Factor: With Trea Turner locked in at shortstop through 2033, a position change for Miller is inevitable.
For the Phillies, graduating Miller, Crawford, and Painter isn’t just about talent—it’s about fiscal strategy.
After a record-breaking year of spending on payroll and luxury taxes, the front office desperately needs high-impact contributors playing on league-minimum salaries to balance the books. Bryce Harper has already voiced his support for the youth movement, noting on the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast that he wants these rookies to “be themselves” to help the team secure a World Series.
