Alec Mills

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Chicago Cubs #28 prospect in 2018
  Mills walked on at Tennessee-Martin, a program that hasn't had a winning record since 1992, and became its first big league alumnus with a 2016 callup to the Royals. In February 2017, Kansas City traded him to the Cubs for outfielder Donnie Dewees. Mills opened 2017 at Triple-A Iowa but missed most of the season with a left ankle injury, reported as a bruise, though there also were reports the Tommy John surgery alumnus had elbow issues. He didn't get back on the mound until late August and wound up with high Class A Myrtle Beach for its playoff run before reporting to the Arizona Fall League to get needed innings. Mills has made it this far based on command of a 90-93 mph sinker that can reach 95 when he's right, and his above-average changeup has similar sink. He throws both a curveball and a slider, though neither has elicited empty swings on a consistent basis, earning fringe-average grades at best. Control (1.9 walks per nine innings in the minors) stands out as his best attribute. Mills is a depth arm for the 2018 Cubs, but only if he stays healthy.
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  Ranked Kansas City Royals #14 prospect in 2017
  Mills has spent his career proving people wrong. A walk-on at Tennessee-Martin, he gained velocity as he matured and grew to be staff ace. Even then, Mills operated in the high 80s, so he fell to the 22nd round. He got back to work in pro ball by adding more velocity, and he turned himself into a big leaguer when the Royals called him up in May 2016. Scouts generally don't get excited when they see a pitcher like Mills, who throws an average 90-93 mph fastball with sink and bore, an above-average changeup and a fringe-average curveball and slider. What makes it all work is Mills' ability to stay away from the middle of the strike zone and the sweet spot of bats with above-average control. He's a fast worker who pitches down in the zone and on the corners. His lack of an out pitch requires him to hit his spots, but when Mills is on, his fastball rarely arrives above the knees. Mills is a No. 5 starter or low-leverage reliever who could pitch in the big leagues in 2017.
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  Ranked Kansas City Royals #12 prospect in 2016
  A walk-on at Tennessee-Martin who became a pro prospect when his fastball jumped from 85 mph to 90-plus, Mills quickly shook off the rust from his 2013 Tommy John surgery to hit his spots with four pitches in a solid season at high Class A Wilmington. Mills' combination of plus control and ability to mix his pitches fits very well in Wilmington's spacious park. Mills will sit 90-92 and touch 94 regularly with his fastball and his changeup is a plus offering with a 12-15 mph separation from his fastball. His slider and curveball both are average on good nights. Mills throws slightly across his body, which adds a little deception. He projects as a fast-moving back-of-the-rotation starter. The jump to Double-A Northwest Arkansas will be a good challenge. He could be an emergency big league starter option by the end of 2016.

• December, 2015 Scouting Report
  A walk-on at Tennessee-Martin who became a pro prospect when his fastball jumped from 85 mph to 90-plus, Mills quickly shook off the rust from his 2013 Tommy John surgery to hit his spots with four pitches in a solid season at high Class A Wilmington. Mills' combination of plus control and ability to mix his pitches fits very well in Wilmington's spacious park. Mills will sit 90-92 and touch 94 regularly with his fastball and his changeup is a plus offering with a 12-15 mph separation from his fastball. His slider and curveball both are average on good nights. Mills throws slightly across his body, which adds a little deception. He projects as a fast-moving back-of-the-rotation starter. The jump to Double-A Northwest Arkansas will be a good challenge. He could be an emergency big league starter option by the end of 2016.