The best infield prospect in the Philadelphia Phillies system, Aidan Miller, has been a fast riser in recent times. Days after his promotion to Double-A Reading, Miller jumped significantly in the Baseball America Top 100 prospects list. He jumped from No. 43 back in August to No. 36 in the most recent set of rankings following a standout month at High-A Jersey Shore.
Aidan Miller’s Quick Rise In Rankings
Miller didn’t disappoint, as his last outing was nothing short of spectacular. For Jersey Shore, he tied a franchise record with a 5-for-5 game hitting a home run and a double. This indeed caught the eyes of scouts and evaluators, placing him among the best young talents in the game.
The 20-year-old shortstop began this season with Class A Clearwater. He appeared in nearly 40 games with the Threshers, seeming promising before heading to Jersey Shore. On the season, Miller has turned in a strong 265/.373/.460/.833 slash line, with 11 home runs and 58 RBI. He merited that kind of production and more to punch his ticket into the Top 100 rankings to demonstrate his rising potential.
Miller was one of the representatives of the Phillies during the All-Star Game weekend in the MLB Futures Game. To be selected for that very elite event was, as outfielder Justin Crawford, had shown, a rising star. Crawford, considered one of the top prospects in the farm system, has had a bit of an uneven season of late, falling from No. 37 to No. 46 in the latest rankings.
Justin Crawford, the son of MLB star Carl Crawford, started the year in Jersey Shore but has since been promoted to Reading. Early struggles in Reading have been documented, but he’s currently hitting .310 with two homers and 20 RBI in 30 games. He hit .304/.350/.435/.785 this season, with eight home runs and 55 RBI. More importantly, Crawford’s speed remains one of his calling cards, having swiped 39 bags to this point.
Top Prospect Andrew Painter
The top Phillies prospect is still right-hander Andrew Painter at No. 20 in the rankings. While he has not pitched this year following Tommy John surgery last season, the 20-year-old Painter has started to incrementally ramp up his throwing program. It’s anticipated that he will be ready to go by next season’s spring training. Before he got hurt, Painter had already established himself as one of several possibilities for Philadelphia’s rotation. In his pro career, he went 6-2 with a 1.48 ERA.
Another one of the top prospects for the Phillies is Shortstop Starlyn Caba, who stayed in at No. 56 in the latest rankings. Caba started the year in the Florida Complex League, and in July he was sent to Clearwater. He’s slashed .230/389/.280/.567 across 75 games with two home runs, 25 RBI, and an impressive 49 stolen bases. His ability to draw walks, 65, while limiting strikeouts, 49, highlights his discipline at the plate.
Looking Ahead
The Phillies are oozing with talent in their farm system, and the rise up the rankings by Aidan Miller just goes to prove how well the team is at developing players. As he builds in the minors, Miller might become an integral part of the Phillies’ future. That goes a long way in engendering some excitement about this team’s future, along with progress from other top prospects like Crawford, Painter, and Caba.
It is with these rising stars that the Phillies are setting themselves up for a bright future; these young talents are going to make their mark in the big league. For now, the climb up the rankings of Aidan Miller serves as a reminder of exciting potential within the Phillies farm system.
For More Great Content
Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.
Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget we cover fantasy sports, too!
Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to respect the hustle! Follow us on Twitter, @TotalApexSports, to stay informed.