Red Sox select Tyler Miller with ninth-round pick

With its ninth-round pick in the 2021 draft, Boston has selected Tyler Miller, a third baseman from Auburn University. He was ranked #231 by MLB Pipeline, #338 by Perfect Game USA, and #397 by Baseball America.

Now a junior at Auburn, Miller was drafted as a shortstop by the Pirates in the 23rd round in 2018. Miller stayed at short during his freshman year at East Mississippi Community College before transferring to Auburn. After suiting up in the outfield during his sophomore year in 2020, he saw time at shortstop, third base, and first base in 2021.

Though he was announced as a third baseman, Miller played first base almost exclusively in 2021, starting 48 of 51 games for the Tigers this spring. Miller slashed .313/.354/.601 with 16 home runs and an SEC-leading 61 RBI in 51 regular-season contests.

A left-handed hitter, Miller is considered to have "dependable... 20-homer power" according to MLB Pipeline. He found himself at first base this spring mostly due to team need, rather than any defensive shortcomings. Per MLB Pipeline, his best-case defensive outcome could be manning second base, though he could also see time in the outfield or at third base.