The Philadelphia Phillies’ offseason was a rollercoaster for fans, filled with both hope and frustration. On one hand, the return of Kyle Schwarber gave the roster a much-needed boost, but on the other, missing out on Bo Bichette as a replacement for struggling third baseman Alec Bohm left a sour taste. For a fanbase eager for stability and production at the hot corner, the lack of a clear answer was concerning. Yet, amid the uncertainty, there’s a young prospect quietly emerging as a potential game-changer for the Phillies.
Miller isn’t ready to step into the Major Leagues just yet, but recent developments suggest the organization is laying the groundwork for him to do exactly that in the near future. According to Tim Kelly of On Pattison, Phillies manager Rob Thomson shared the team’s plans for Miller this spring—a plan that could ultimately redefine Bohm’s role on the roster.
“Rob Thomson said the bulk of Aidan Miller’s work this spring will come at third base and shortstop,” Kelly reports. “He may also get some second base reps as well. Left field is not a consideration.”
This revelation is significant on multiple fronts. First, it signals that the Phillies are serious about Miller’s development. They aren’t simply rotating him around the field to fill gaps—they’re focusing on molding him into a cornerstone of the infield. The decision to exclude the outfield, despite a greater immediate need there, shows a long-term vision: Miller’s future lies in the infield, and the team is committed to maximizing his potential there.
Equally noteworthy is the fact that Miller will primarily split his spring reps between third base and shortstop. A natural shortstop in the minors, Miller is now being tested at third, suggesting the Phillies see him as a plausible long-term replacement for Bohm. While this move isn’t entirely surprising—Miller taking on an infield role was always in the cards—it’s still a clear signal that the organization is actively preparing for a transition at the hot corner.
The implications are intriguing. A strong spring performance could accelerate Miller’s path to the majors, forcing the Phillies to make a tough decision sooner rather than later. That said, it would likely require both exceptional play from Miller and continued struggles from Bohm for an Opening Day promotion to materialize. Even so, this spring training plan marks the official start of the process: Miller is being groomed to take over third base, potentially as early as the 2026 season, and almost certainly by 2027.
For fans, this is a development worth watching closely. Miller is quickly becoming the Phillies’ most exciting prospect, offering hope for a position that has been a source of frustration for years. With the potential to replace Bohm, who has struggled to earn consistent trust from the fanbase, Miller’s progress in spring training could represent a turning point for the franchise. In a season where every roster decision counts, the Phillies’ commitment to developing Miller at third base might just pay off in a big way—giving fans a reason to be optimistic about the team’s future.