Aidan Miller and Andrew Painter — the two top prospects in the Phillies' organization — are among a group of 23 non-roster invitees to Big League Spring Training:
The Phillies have announced a 23-player list of non-roster invitees to Spring Training. @OnPattison pic.twitter.com/IU79hvxS6M
Miller was selected by the Phillies with the 27th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, and has proven to be a steal that late in the first round. Across three levels of the minors a year ago — finishing the season at Double-A Reading — Miller slashed .261/.366/.446 with 28 doubles, 11 home runs, 60 RBIs and 56 walks. While some believe he will end up at third base, he's been able to stick at his natural position of shortstop to this point. Just Baseball's Aram Leighton has Miller ranked as the No. 25 prospect in all of baseball. The 20-year-old is unlikely to push for a promotion to the majors in 2025, but 2026 is certainly a possibility. Having him in Big League camp for a period this year should serve the 20-year-old well.
Meanwhile, Painter is the No. 11 prospect in the sport according to Leighton's list. He was obviously in camp with the Phillies in 2023, and looked to have a real shot at making the club as a 19-year-old until he suffered an elbow injury that eventually required Tommy John surgery. Painter — the No. 13 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft — looked to be fully recovered from Tommy John surgery when he dazzled in the Arizona Fall League, posting a 2.30 ERA and striking out 18 batters over 15 2/3 innings of work. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has already said Painter is unlikely to pitch in game action in Spring Training, though he will be throwing as the club targets a summer MLB debut.
Other notable non-roster invitees include Justin Crawford, Otto Kemp and Griff McGarry.
Want more Philadelphia Phillies news delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for THE Philly Sports Newsletter here. 100% free, always.