Phillies news and rumors 4/18: Aidan Miller off to fast start for Threshers

Part of the reason Phillies fans have developed such an affinity for Bryson Stott and Alec Bohm over the past few seasons is that they’re homegrown talents. That’s no knock on Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber or certainly Bryce Harper — but watching someone rise through the ranks within the organization before making an impact at the big league level strikes a different chord.

There seems to be another such example on the way.

Aidan Miller collected four more hits in the Single-A Clearwater Threshers’ 10-1 win over Dunedin, the Blue Jays’ affiliate, on Wednesday. The 4-for-6 day included a double, it followed a 2-for-5 performance with a homer and a double on Tuesday and it raised his season average to .359, with a .615 slugging percentage.

That's a career-high four knocks for @Phillies first-rounder Aidan Miller!

MLB's No. 56 prospect has four multihit games in his past six contests, giving him a 1.024 OPS for the @Threshers: pic.twitter.com/HDYhDQcjc6

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 17, 2024

Miller has recorded a hit in all but one of his nine games with the Threshers this year. Four of those nine are multi-hit games. He’s struck out 10 times in 44 plate appearances and, for what it’s worth, he’s stolen five bags as well.

The No. 27 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Miller is Ty Daubert of Phillies Nation‘s second-ranked prospect in the organization, and MLB Pipeline ranks him the 56th-best prospect in the minors overall. This winter, Pipeline‘s Jim Callis called Miller the biggest steal from the first round of last year’s class.

That was even before the 19-year-old had played in a game this season. Now that he has, small as the sample may be, that assessment is only looking more accurate.

Aidan Miller goes yard for his second home run of the 2024 season pic.twitter.com/BKJCFCXxUP

— Milb Central (@milb_central) April 17, 2024

Must-Read Phillies Content

• Here’s Destiny Lugardo’s recap of Wednesday’s win over Colorado, in which the Phillies narrowly staved off a colossal comeback to sweep the dreadful Rockies.
• Destiny Lugardo wrote an excellent feature on Ranger Suárez, his growth as a pitcher, what sets him apart from most starters in the modern game and how much he’s endeared himself to both the fanbase and his teammates.

It’s been a pleasure to watch Ranger Suarez grow as a pitcher over the last seven years. Last night felt like the start of something really exciting. https://t.co/gijTWcBfkG

— Destiny Lugardo (@destiny_lugardo) April 17, 2024

• The Athletic‘s Matt Gelb also wrote about Suárez, who’s emphasizing volume this season and whose carefree nature has turned from somewhat of a liability into an asset.
• It’s not really Phillies content, but Mike Trout speculation will exist until he’s traded to Philadelphia or retires, so: ESPN‘s Alden Gonzalez wrote a feature on the three-time AL MVP and why asking out of Anaheim has never crossed his mind.

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