Aidan Miller shows off raw power with first 2024 homer
Cole Bradley
@colebradley01Heading into his first full season of pro ball, it was only a matter of time before Aidan Miller would show off the raw power that has turned so many heads early in his young career.
MLB Pipeline's No. 56 overall prospect managed just one extra-base hit through his first four games with Single-A Clearwater, despite hitting safely in each of those contests. But a breakout felt inevitable, and in his third at-bat on Thursday night, Miller didn’t miss.
The Phillies’ No. 3 prospect muscled his first pro regular-season homer, part of a two-hit night for the 19-year-old in Clearwater’s 10-5 win over Fort Myers at BayCare Ballpark. It was Miller’s second homer since being selected by Philadelphia with the 27th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft -- he went yard during the Florida State League playoffs last year.
And while Miller’s fifth-inning solo shot wasn’t the hardest-hit big fly (93.2 mph), it showcased the natural thump that makes him such a serious threat at the plate. Three of Miller’s five plate appearances resulted in 95-plus mph contact, including a 100.7 mph single in his second at-bat.
A broken hamate bone in his left wrist kept Miller sidelined for most of his senior year in Florida before he was drafted last July. He made a favorable first impression in 20 games split between Rookie ball and Clearwater, hitting .303 with an .804 OPS and four stolen bases in 80 plate appearances.
Miller’s ability to limit strikeouts and work counts has also made him particularly dangerous, an impressive trait given it's still very early in his development. In 105 career plate appearances, Miller has walked (16) nearly as much as he has struck out (19).
On top of all of that, Miller has shown he has the arm and athleticism to stick on the left side of the infield defensively.
Walker solid in first rehab start
Taijuan Walker went four innings in his first rehab start since going on the injured list with a left shoulder impingement. The right-hander gave up two runs on two hits and struck out four batters, throwing 47 pitches (32 for strikes).
His four-seam fastball averaged 91 mph -- slightly down from his 2023 average of 92.9 -- and touched 91.9. Walker induced five whiffs, including three on his splitter, and did not allow a walk.
The Phillies want Walker to reach 100-plus pitches during his rehab assignment before rejoining their rotation. If his progression continues at its current rate, Walker likely has a chance to make his season debut sometime in early May.