Erik Miller

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked San Francisco Giants #15 prospect in 2023
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/High
  
  Track Record: The 2019 fourth-rounder from Stanford had just 36 professional innings under his belt before the coronavirus pandemic canceled the 2020 minor league season. He impressed that fall in instructional league, then missed most of the 2021 with an injury. After splitting time between the rotation and bullpen to start 2022, Miller moved to the bullpen full time in June. He put up a 2.23 ERA with Double-A Reading, then struggled in 10 appearances with Triple-A Lehigh Valley to end the season. He was traded to the Giants in January in exchange for righthander Junior Marte.
  
  Scouting Report: The imposing 6-foot-5, 240-pound Miller has swing-and-miss stuff from the left side, but he's had trouble accessing it due to command issues that have plagued him throughout his career. Miller has a herky-jerky, deceptive delivery without a clean arm action, and he struggles to repeat his delivery consistently--which leads to injury concerns--but there's no questioning the quality of his pitch mix. He aggressively attacks hitters with his above-average four-seamer, which averages 94 mph and tops out above 98, and the pitch features big running life and carry up in the zone. He throws a hard, high-80s slider that reaches the low 90s with three-quarters tilt and cross-breaking action. The pitch earns plus grades. Miller's changeup is his best swing-and-miss offering. It's a mid-80s pitch that induced whiffs more than 58% of the time in 2022. The organization has worked with Miller to have a more consistent delivery, but with his below-average command and control, he's likely destined for a bullpen role.
  
  The Future: Miller was left unprotected for the 2022 MLB Rule 5 Draft, leaving his status with the organization up in the air. His powerful pitch mix could fit at the back of the bullpen.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55 Slider: 60 Changeup: 60 Control: 40
• 
  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #11 prospect in 2022
  Track Record: A 2019 fourth-rounder from Stanford who signed for an under-slot $428,300 deal, Miller rose to Low-A Lakewood in his abbreviated debut, then impressed at instructional league following the canceled 2020 minor league season. Miller missed most of the 2021 season due to injury, but was sharp in his return in the Arizona Fall League, striking out 12 in 10 innings of three-run (two earned) ball.
  
  Scouting Report: Miller has an imposing build from the left side at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds with a big fastball with running life and carry up in the zone. The pitch previously topped out at 96 mph, but Miller sat 96-99 mph in short stints during his time in Arizona, giving it the look of a potential plus offering. Miller was aggressive in attacking hitters in the AFL, showing the ability to beat hitters in the zone. He complements his fastball with a hard, low-80s slider with three-quarter tilt and crossbreaking action that flashes plus. He rounds out his arsenal with a mid-80s changeup. Miller has struggled to throw strikes during his brief pro career, and needs to focus on repeating his delivery to allow him to more easily access his impressive stuff.
  
  The Future: Miller needs to show he can stay on the field for a full season, but he could be a fast riser if he does so while throwing more strikes. He’ll likely start the 2022 season at High-A Jersey Shore.
  
• 
  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #14 prospect in 2021
  TRACK RECORD: Miller showed enough in his three seasons at Stanford (17-9, 3.68) to merit a fourth-round selection in the 2019 draft. The bulky lefthander pitched across three levels after signing, culminating with a sharp stint at low Class A Lakewood. Miller impressed the Phillies with his repertoire in spring training and was added to the team's instructional league roster in the fall.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Miller is an imposing lefthander on the mound. His fastball has increased in velocity and now sits in the mid 90s, topping out at 96 mph. Miller does a good job hiding the ball and it shows running life with carry up in the zone, giving it the potential to be a plus pitch. His slider is another plus offering that sits 80-84 mph and induces swings and misses with three-quarter tilt and big crossbreak. Miller mostly relies on those two pitches, but also has an 84-86 mph changeup with some turnover action. He is working to increase the repeatability of his delivery in order to improve his below-average control.
  
  THE FUTURE: If Miller's changeup keeps improving and he starts to attack the zone consistently, he should profile as a back-end starter. Otherwise, his fastball and slider will play in relief.
• 
  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #13 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: Miller has long carried lofty expectations as a big lefty who could be projected to one day have a big arm. Undrafted out of high school because of his strong Stanford commitment, Miller didn't fully find his groove until his junior year with the Cardinal. He went 8-3, 3.48 and pitched his way into the fourth round.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Miller has touched 96-97 mph in shorter stints in the Cape Cod League and during fall ball at Stanford, but he generally sits 89-92 mph as a starter, which he did both at Stanford and for the Phillies in 2019. Miller's average fastball has solid life and is buoyed by a plus slider that he manipulates well. He also mixes in a changeup with average potential. It doesn't have exceptional movement but he maintains arm speed when throwing it. The Phillies have plenty of reasons to see if Miller can start, but a number of evaluators expect he'll eventually move to the bullpen thanks to his below-average control. Miller has long had a plunge in the back of his delivery and a long arm stroke. It's why he's consistently been a below-average strike thrower.
  
  THE FUTURE: The Phillies don't have many starting pitching prospects, so there's plenty of reasons to see if Miller can improve his control and command. But a number of evaluators expect he'll end up as a fastball/ slider lefty reliever with fringy control but above-average velocity in short stints.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #105 prospect in 2019 draft
  A notable high school prospect in 2016, Miller ranked No. 144 on the BA 500 three years ago but ultimately decided to head to Stanford. He logged 13 starts for the Cardinal in each of his first two seasons, flashing big-time potential but struggling to put everything together for long stretches at a time. Miller's best traits are his size--he stands at an imposing 6-foot-5, 240 pounds--and his flashes of big-time stuff. His fastball has been up to 97 mph, and last fall he was consistently throwing 94-96 mph and pairing it with a plus slider. His stuff hasn't been quite at that level this spring, however, as Miller has has thrown mostly in the 88-92 mph range and ticking up a few notches higher at his best. While Miller's results through his first 10 starts were solid--2.60 ERA in 52 innings with a career-high 10.21 strikeouts per nine innings--scouts think there is a high likelihood that he eventually winds up in the bullpen because of his below-average control. Miller walked a career-high 4.85 batters per nine innings through his first 10 starts this spring, not to mention his stuff could improve in shorter outings. Regardless, it would not be surprising for Miller to begin his pro career as a starter, as he has the strong, durable frame that could handle a large workload if he's able to improve his strike-throwing ability.
• Ranked #144 prospect in 2016 draft
  Miller's a Stanford signee so scouts know he will be more difficult to sway away from his commitment than the average high school pitcher. But whether he signs now or in three years, his combination of athleticism, a clean and easy arm action and a 6-foot-5, 210-pound body that screams projection make him one of the more intriguing young arms of this year's draft class. Miller pitches with a currently below-average fastball as he'll sit 87-90, but he touches 92-93 mph and his mid-70s curveball flashes above-average. Miller's long arms and legs mean he doesn't yet repeat as consistently as he needs to, but he's got plenty of time to add polish.

• February, 2023 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/High
  
  Track Record: The 2019 fourth-rounder from Stanford had just 36 professional innings under his belt before the coronavirus pandemic canceled the 2020 minor league season. He impressed that fall in instructional league, then missed most of the 2021 with an injury. After splitting time between the rotation and bullpen to start 2022, Miller moved to the bullpen full time in June. He put up a 2.23 ERA with Double-A Reading, then struggled in 10 appearances with Triple-A Lehigh Valley to end the season. He was traded to the Giants in January in exchange for righthander Junior Marte.
  
  Scouting Report: The imposing 6-foot-5, 240-pound Miller has swing-and-miss stuff from the left side, but he's had trouble accessing it due to command issues that have plagued him throughout his career. Miller has a herky-jerky, deceptive delivery without a clean arm action, and he struggles to repeat his delivery consistently--which leads to injury concerns--but there's no questioning the quality of his pitch mix. He aggressively attacks hitters with his above-average four-seamer, which averages 94 mph and tops out above 98, and the pitch features big running life and carry up in the zone. He throws a hard, high-80s slider that reaches the low 90s with three-quarters tilt and cross-breaking action. The pitch earns plus grades. Miller's changeup is his best swing-and-miss offering. It's a mid-80s pitch that induced whiffs more than 58% of the time in 2022. The organization has worked with Miller to have a more consistent delivery, but with his below-average command and control, he's likely destined for a bullpen role.
  
  The Future: Miller was left unprotected for the 2022 MLB Rule 5 Draft, leaving his status with the organization up in the air. His powerful pitch mix could fit at the back of the bullpen.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55 Slider: 60 Changeup: 60 Control: 40
• December, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/High
  
  Track Record: The 2019 fourth-rounder from Stanford had just 36 professional innings under his belt before the coronavirus pandemic canceled the 2020 minor league season. He impressed that fall in instructional league, then missed most of the 2021 with an injury. After splitting time between the rotation and bullpen to start 2022, Miller moved to the bullpen full time in June. He put up a 2.23 ERA with Double-A Reading, then struggled in 10 appearances with Triple-A Lehigh Valley to end the season. He was traded to the Giants in January in exchange for righthander Junior Marte.
  
  Scouting Report: The imposing 6-foot-5, 240-pound Miller has swing-and-miss stuff from the left side, but he's had trouble accessing it due to command issues that have plagued him throughout his career. Miller has a herky-jerky, deceptive delivery without a clean arm action, and he struggles to repeat his delivery consistently--which leads to injury concerns--but there's no questioning the quality of his pitch mix. He aggressively attacks hitters with his above-average four-seamer, which averages 94 mph and tops out above 98, and the pitch features big running life and carry up in the zone. He throws a hard, high-80s slider that reaches the low 90s with three-quarters tilt and cross-breaking action. The pitch earns plus grades. Miller's changeup is his best swing-and-miss offering. It's a mid-80s pitch that induced whiffs more than 58% of the time in 2022. The organization has worked with Miller to have a more consistent delivery, but with his below-average command and control, he's likely destined for a bullpen role.
  
  The Future: Miller was left unprotected for the 2022 MLB Rule 5 Draft, leaving his status with the organization up in the air. His powerful pitch mix could fit at the back of the bullpen.
  
  Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55 Slider: 60 Changeup: 60 Control: 40
• April, 2022 Scouting Report
  BA Grade: 50/High
  
  Track Record: A 2019 fourth-rounder from Stanford who signed for an under-slot $428,300 deal, Miller rose to Low-A Lakewood in his abbreviated debut, then impressed at instructional league following the canceled 2020 minor league season. Miller missed most of the 2021 season due to injury, but was sharp in his return in the Arizona Fall League, striking out 12 in 10 innings of three-run (two earned) ball.
  
  Scouting Report: Miller has an imposing build from the left side at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds with a big fastball with running life and carry up in the zone. The pitch previously topped out at 96 mph, but Miller sat 96-99 mph in short stints during his time in Arizona, giving it the look of a potential plus offering. Miller was aggressive in attacking hitters in the AFL, showing the ability to beat hitters in the zone. He complements his fastball with a hard, low-80s slider with three-quarter tilt and crossbreaking action that flashes plus. He rounds out his arsenal with a mid-80s changeup. Miller has struggled to throw strikes during his brief pro career, and needs to focus on repeating his delivery to allow him to more easily access his impressive stuff.
  
  The Future: Miller needs to show he can stay on the field for a full season, but he could be a fast riser if he does so while throwing more strikes. He&#39ll likely start the 2022 season at High-A Jersey Shore.
• December, 2021 Scouting Report
  Track Record: A 2019 fourth-rounder from Stanford who signed for an under-slot $428,300 deal, Miller rose to Low-A Lakewood in his abbreviated debut, then impressed at instructional league following the canceled 2020 minor league season. Miller missed most of the 2021 season due to injury, but was sharp in his return in the Arizona Fall League, striking out 12 in 10 innings of three-run (two earned) ball.
  
  Scouting Report: Miller has an imposing build from the left side at 6-foot-5, 240 pounds with a big fastball with running life and carry up in the zone. The pitch previously topped out at 96 mph, but Miller sat 96-99 mph in short stints during his time in Arizona, giving it the look of a potential plus offering. Miller was aggressive in attacking hitters in the AFL, showing the ability to beat hitters in the zone. He complements his fastball with a hard, low-80s slider with three-quarter tilt and crossbreaking action that flashes plus. He rounds out his arsenal with a mid-80s changeup. Miller has struggled to throw strikes during his brief pro career, and needs to focus on repeating his delivery to allow him to more easily access his impressive stuff.
  
  The Future: Miller needs to show he can stay on the field for a full season, but he could be a fast riser if he does so while throwing more strikes. He’ll likely start the 2022 season at High-A Jersey Shore.
  
• July, 2021 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Miller showed enough in his three seasons at Stanford (17-9, 3.68) to merit a fourth-round selection in the 2019 draft. The bulky lefthander pitched across three levels after signing, culminating with a sharp stint at low Class A Lakewood. Miller impressed the Phillies with his repertoire in spring training and was added to the team's instructional league roster in the fall.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Miller is an imposing lefthander on the mound. His fastball has increased in velocity and now sits in the mid 90s, topping out at 96 mph. Miller does a good job hiding the ball and it shows running life with carry up in the zone, giving it the potential to be a plus pitch. His slider is another plus offering that sits 80-84 mph and induces swings and misses with three-quarter tilt and big crossbreak. Miller mostly relies on those two pitches, but also has an 84-86 mph changeup with some turnover action. He is working to increase the repeatability of his delivery in order to improve his below-average control.
  
  THE FUTURE: If Miller's changeup keeps improving and he starts to attack the zone consistently, he should profile as a back-end starter. Otherwise, his fastball and slider will play in relief.
• March, 2021 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Miller showed enough in his three seasons at Stanford (17-9, 3.68) to merit a fourth-round selection in the 2019 draft. The bulky lefthander pitched across three levels after signing, culminating with a sharp stint at low Class A Lakewood. Miller impressed the Phillies with his repertoire in spring training and was added to the team's instructional league roster in the fall.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Miller is an imposing lefthander on the mound. His fastball has increased in velocity and now sits in the mid 90s, topping out at 96 mph. Miller does a good job hiding the ball and it shows running life with carry up in the zone, giving it the potential to be a plus pitch. His slider is another plus offering that sits 80-84 mph and induces swings and misses with three-quarter tilt and big crossbreak. Miller mostly relies on those two pitches, but also has an 84-86 mph changeup with some turnover action. He is working to increase the repeatability of his delivery in order to improve his below-average control.
  
  THE FUTURE: If Miller's changeup keeps improving and he starts to attack the zone consistently, he should profile as a back-end starter. Otherwise, his fastball and slider will play in relief.
• December, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Miller showed enough in his three seasons at Stanford (17-9, 3.68) to merit a fourth-round selection in the 2019 draft. The bulky lefthander pitched across three levels after signing, culminating with a sharp stint at low Class A Lakewood. Miller impressed the Phillies with his repertoire in spring training and was added to the team's instructional league roster in the fall.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Miller is an imposing lefthander on the mound. His fastball has increased in velocity and now sits in the mid 90s, topping out at 96 mph. Miller does a good job hiding the ball and it shows running life with carry up in the zone, giving it the potential to be a plus pitch. His slider is another plus offering that sits 80-84 mph and induces swings and misses with three-quarter tilt and big crossbreak. Miller mostly relies on those two pitches, but also has an 84-86 mph changeup with some turnover action. He is working to increase the repeatability of his delivery in order to improve his below-average control.
  
  THE FUTURE: If Miller's changeup keeps improving and he starts to attack the zone consistently, he should profile as a back-end starter. Otherwise, his fastball and slider will play in relief.
• July, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Miller has long carried lofty expectations as a big lefty who could be projected to one day have a big arm. Undrafted out of high school because of his strong Stanford commitment, Miller didn’t fully find his groove until his junior year with the Cardinal. He went 8-3, 3.48 and pitched his way into the fourth round.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Miller has touched 96-97 mph in shorter stints in the Cape Cod League and during fall ball at Stanford, but he generally sits 89-92 mph as a starter, which he did both at Stanford and for the Phillies in 2019. Miller’s average fastball has solid life and is buoyed by a plus slider that he manipulates well. He also mixes in a changeup with average potential. It doesn’t have exceptional movement but he maintains arm speed when throwing it. The Phillies have plenty of reasons to see if Miller can start, but a number of evaluators expect he’ll eventually move to the bullpen thanks to his below-average control. Miller has long had a plunge in the back of his delivery and a long arm stroke. It’s why he’s consistently been a below-average strike thrower.
  
  THE FUTURE: The Phillies don’t have many starting pitching prospects, so there’s plenty of reasons to see if Miller can improve his control and command. But a number of evaluators expect he’ll end up as a fastball/ slider lefty reliever with fringy control but above-average velocity in short stints.
• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: Miller has long carried lofty expectations as a big lefty who could be projected to one day have a big arm. Undrafted out of high school because of his strong Stanford commitment, Miller didn't fully find his groove until his junior year with the Cardinal. He went 8-3, 3.48 and pitched his way into the fourth round.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Miller has touched 96-97 mph in shorter stints in the Cape Cod League and during fall ball at Stanford, but he generally sits 89-92 mph as a starter, which he did both at Stanford and for the Phillies in 2019. Miller's average fastball has solid life and is buoyed by a plus slider that he manipulates well. He also mixes in a changeup with average potential. It doesn't have exceptional movement but he maintains arm speed when throwing it. The Phillies have plenty of reasons to see if Miller can start, but a number of evaluators expect he'll eventually move to the bullpen thanks to his below-average control. Miller has long had a plunge in the back of his delivery and a long arm stroke. It's why he's consistently been a below-average strike thrower.
  
  THE FUTURE: The Phillies don't have many starting pitching prospects, so there's plenty of reasons to see if Miller can improve his control and command. But a number of evaluators expect he'll end up as a fastball/ slider lefty reliever with fringy control but above-average velocity in short stints.
• December, 2018 Scouting Report
  A notable high school prospect in 2016, Miller ranked No. 144 on the BA 500 three years ago but ultimately decided to head to Stanford. He logged 13 starts for the Cardinal in each of his first two seasons, flashing big-time potential but struggling to put everything together for long stretches at a time. Miller's best traits are his size--he stands at an imposing 6-foot-5, 240 pounds--and his flashes of big-time stuff. His fastball has been up to 97 mph, and last fall he was consistently throwing 94-96 mph and pairing it with a plus slider. His stuff hasn't been quite at that level this spring, however, as Miller has has thrown mostly in the 88-92 mph range and ticking up a few notches higher at his best. While Miller's results through his first 10 starts were solid--2.60 ERA in 52 innings with a career-high 10.21 strikeouts per nine innings--scouts think there is a high likelihood that he eventually winds up in the bullpen because of his below-average control. Miller walked a career-high 4.85 batters per nine innings through his first 10 starts this spring, not to mention his stuff could improve in shorter outings. Regardless, it would not be surprising for Miller to begin his pro career as a starter, as he has the strong, durable frame that could handle a large workload if he's able to improve his strike-throwing ability.