The Philadelphia Phillies are gearing up for an exciting 2026 MLB season, brimming with potential. While there are some whispers of concern around Zach Wheeler and Bryce Harper, the team is poised to be a serious contender for the World Series.
Expect some fresh faces on the roster this year. Justin Crawford is likely stepping into the role of starting center fielder, and Andrew Painter is expected to secure a spot in the starting rotation. However, Aidan Miller, one of the Phillies' top-3 prospects, won't be making his debut on Opening Day.
According to John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia, the Phillies have decided to send Miller to minor league camp, as he continues to deal with a persistent back issue. This decision isn’t entirely unexpected, given that Miller missed all of Spring Training due to the injury that’s been nagging him since last season.
Even if Miller were fully healthy, his chances of making the Opening Day roster were slim. With Alec Bohm likely locking down third base, and Trea Turner and Bryson Stott solid in their positions, there wasn't much room for Miller without benching him, which isn't ideal for his development.
Joining Miller in minor league camp are Andrew Bechtold, Michael Mercado, Kehden Hettiger, Mark Kolozsvary, and Caleb Ricketts.
Miller remains a top prospect, showcasing his talent last season in the minors with impressive stats: 59 stolen bases, a .825 OPS, and 14 home runs over 116 games between Double-A and Triple-A. The Phillies and their fans will have to exercise a bit more patience before seeing him shine in the majors.