Rank History
| Year | Team | Position | Team Rank | OFP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | LAD | RHP | 1 | 55 |
Grades Update: Dec 2020
| OFP | Role | FB | CB | SL | CH | Cnt/Cmd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | 60 | 70 | 45 | 55 | 50 | 55/45 |
Dec 2020 Report
Evaluator: Mike Kinsela
Age: 22 yr
Height: 6-5
Weight: 220 lbs
Hits/Throws: L/R
Acquired: 2020 Draft - Round 1
RuleV: 2023
Physical Description: XL frame with long, broad build that encompasses both high end athleticism and physical strength.
Delivery & Mechanics: Short rocker step back to align with rubber, good hip hinge over back side to engage core and lower half, gates front hip some, gets into good directional pattern, length to arm stroke through the back, gets offline, is able to time up longer stroke, some effort to operation with more control than command. Generates lower release height due to extension.
Fastball: Dominant pitch at times, was nearing triple digits at Louisville. Regularly sat mid-90s and reached back for more, holds velocity deep into games, above-average arm-side life, pitch can get heavy when down in zone. Average raw spin rates, can throw pitch for strikes consistently, will need to avoid the middle of the plate even with plus velocity. Falls short of elite fastball due to average traits, likely a 70 fastball in starter role. Could see velocity tick up in bullpen role to maintain 70 grade. Grade: 70
Curveball: Probably Miller's 4th best pitch right now, thrown mostly in the low-80s and not very frequently; can throw for strikes vs. hitters of either handedness. Mostly on the 11/5 plane, lacks hammer bite and depth; missed bats at collegiate level but will need to improve to do so in pro ball. Average spin rate, could see an average future but likely falls shy of that. Solid change-of-pace and strike-stealer pitch. Grade: 45
Slider: Best secondary offering to my eyes. Thrown firmly in mid-upper 80s, gets closer to a cutter than a true tilting slider at times, plays well off fastball movement on the horizontal axis. Can get under hands of left handed hitters, runs it away from righties, has control of the pitch. Has touched as high as 90 mph. Unlikely to play as an overwhelming bat-misser at highest level, but quality projection. Grade: 55
Changeup: Miller's changeup is something of a hybrid between a true changeup and a splitter, earning that ever-popular "split-change" designation. It's a solid pitch for him, thrown in the mid-80s with dive, though the spin isn't as low as one would expect given the intent and action of it. Can throw it at the bottom of the zone and get whiffs overtop of it, better to lefties at present than righties. Solid third pitch. Grade: 50
Control and Command: Miller went from a prep arm with no clue how to throw strikes to a pretty solid zone-pounder at Louisville, averaging 3.6 BB/9 in his college career. It's more control than command, with Miller able to pound the strike zone but limited in his ability to move the ball around the zone. His athleticism and aptitude speak to some projection here, but the violence in his delivery likely leaves him shy of average command long term. Control: 55 | Command: 45
Overall: Miller's size, athleticism, arm talent, and overall stuff, along with a performance pedigree at one of college baseball's best programs, lead him to being selected in the first round. Some concerns over his command lead to reliever questions, which do remain, but this evaluator felt that Miller was a little undervalued by the industry. With the Dodgers player dev system, it's realistic to expect them to maximize Miller's value and we could see a mid-rotation starter or dynamic closer here.
OFP: 55
Role: 60 - #3 SP
Risk: Moderate
