Ian Miller

Position: CF
Level: Triple-A
Affiliate: Tacoma Rainiers
League: Pacific Coast League
Born: 02/21/1992 (Age: 32)
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 175
B/T: Left / Right
Acquired: 14th Rd., 2013 MLB First-Year Player Draft (SEA)

Prospect Spotlight

Miller has flown under the radar for much of his professional career after being selected in the 14th round of the MLB Draft draft in 2013 by the Mariners. Through 100 games in 2017, Miller is slashing .329/.382/.426 split between Double-A Arkansas and Triple-A Tacoma, and he could become a useful contributor to a team as a Role 40, fourth outfielder.

Miller has good hand-eye coordination and average bat speed with an inside-out, level stroke and a willingness to use the whole field. Miller’s front side opens early at times, which would cause some issues against good off-speed pitches at the big league level. He isn’t a top of the order threat because his aggressive approach lends itself to some swing-and-miss numbers and low walk rates as well (6%) in 2017).

Miller’s carry tool is his double-plus speed that plays even better underway. Miller is an aggressive baserunner who is looking to swipe a bag at every opportunity. He has a quick first step and good instincts that have allowed him to steal bases at an extremely high clip (49-for-52 in 2016, 35-for-39 in 2017).

Defensively, Miller has below-average arm strength, but he makes up for that shortcoming with good accuracy and his overall field awareness. His speed plays on the grass as he can cover a lot of ground with efficient routes and a quick first step. Miller is best suited for center field with his double-plus speed and below-average arm, but could handle spot duty on either corner as well.

With a plethora of outfield depth at the major league level, it’s doubtful Miller becomes an everyday staple in the M’s lineup, but he has the ingredients to be a useful role player for the club as an OF-5. He can handle all three outfield positions, and the double-plus speed make him a perfect candidate to pinch-run or be a defensive replacement late in games. His profile is comparable to that of Sam Fuld (OF, MLB 2007-2015, multiple teams).