Ian Miller

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #19 prospect in 2018
  The third time was the charm for Miller at Double-A, with much better results in 2017 after two previous tries at the level. He's always been an elite runner (averaging 47 steals his last three seasons) and played above-average defense, but an offseason working with hitting coordinator Brant Brown to re-invent his swing helped Miller get to more power and use the whole field. After not posting an OPS above .700 since his debut year in 2013, Miller batted .326/.382/.430 with 30 stolen bases in 83 games at Double-A Arkansas. He finished the season at Triple-A Tacoma, where he looked more timid at the plate. Plus-plus speed and elite baserunning instincts are Miller's biggest strengths, but he needs to control the zone more against better pitching to draw more walks and take better advantage of his wheels. He played exclusively in center field at Double-A but got more time in left field with Tacoma, in preparation for his likely role as a reserve outfielder. Miller needs to improve in the corners, but his average arm is to handle all three outfield spots. Miller has a ceiling as a fourth outfielder, but needs to continue to improve as a hitter to reach that projection.
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  Ranked Seattle Mariners #31 prospect in 2016
  Miller was a speedy center fielder for three years at Wagner, hitting his stride as a junior and stealing 46 bases in 54 tries while hitting .329. The Mariners were encouraged by Miller's contact skills, baserunning and potential to play center field, and they took a chance on him in the 14th round in 2013. Miller's career faced a setback during his first full season in 2014, when back injuries limited him to just 45 games. In 2015, he returned healthy and advanced to high Class A Bakersfield, where a hot start quickly earned him a promotion. Managers in the California League voted Miller the fastest baserunner in the league, and he held his own in Double-A. Miller has a compact stroke that allows him to make contact at a high rate but doesn't allow him to create much loft. He's hit one home run in nearly 1,000 professional plate appearances. Miller's game is predicated on his plus-plus speed and ability to play center field. He's likely to advance to Triple-A in 2016, and could develop into a quality bench player.