The Philadelphia Phillies entered spring training with a roster built to contend now, and we know that. However, which is often the case for contenders, some of the most intriguing stories are about the young guys we all want to watch.
According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, top prospect Aidan Miller is beginning to feel closer than ever to the big leagues, both literally and figuratively, as camp opens in Clearwater.
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“Miller, considered one of the better prospects in baseball, has a locker between Realmuto and Bryce Harper,” Gelb wrote, detailing the symbolic shift in clubhouse placement. “Justin Crawford is a few stalls away. They were both assigned jersey numbers in the 80s again. But unlike last spring, when they were on the other side of the room with portable lockers, there is symbolism in the rearranged order. Miller and Crawford are closer than ever to the bigs.”
Clubhouse positions are always done for more than just putting a guy somewhere. There are always some veterans around the young stars who the team thinks can be a dude one day.
For Miller, that momentum has been building since the Phillies selected him in the first round. His tools have been really impressive in recent years and the hope and expectation is for him to be that in the show.
Gelb also noted that another elite arm is sharing that rising-prospect space.
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“Andrew Painter, who graduated to the adult side of the room years ago, is with them,” he wrote. “He’s going to have a normal spring with no restrictions. He has a job to win. So does Crawford.”
Andrew Painter’s return to full activity only helps the youth movement moving forward with the Phillies’ veteran core, while Justin Crawford continues to push his way into immediate outfield conversations.
As for Miller, the developmental plan remains aggressive but the Phillies are being smart about it.
“Miller, who will split his time between third base and shortstop, looms as a potential in-season addition,” Gelb added.
Miller’s ability to move between positions gives Philadelphia options if injuries happen or offensive production becomes an issue at any spot.