|  Wys³any: 2025-05-24 05:55:28 Temat postu: Aidan Miller and George Klassen Off to Strong Starts in 2024
By Todd Zolecki, Phillies Beat Newsletter
PHILADELPHIA The Phillies believe they struck gold in last summers draft with two players whose stocks were affected by injuries shortstop Aidan Miller and right-hander George Klassen. After a few months into their first full professional seasons, it looks like the teams confidence was well-placed.
Miller, the Phillies No. 2 prospect, is having an impressive start, hitting.285 with five home runs, 25 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases in 32 games. His plate discipline is evident as he has 23 walks compared to 32 strikeouts.
"Aidans mindset and work ethic are really what stand out, " said Preston Mattingly, the Phillies assistant general manager of player development. "Since we drafted him, hes been committed to improving every day https://www.philliesplayerfanstore.com/steve_carlton_jersey-31, whether it's on defense, offense, or baserunning. He has the kind of drive we want in our players."
When the Phillies first drafted Miller, there was some speculation that he might eventually move to third base, but the team has kept him at shortstop, where he has excelled.
"Aidan is a shortstop, and we dont plan on moving him, " Mattingly added. "He believes he's a shortstop, and we feel the same way."
That said, future organizational needs could change things as Miller progresses through the Minor Leagues. Mattingly stressed that theres no set timeline for when Miller will move up but emphasized that the decision will be based on his continued development.
Miller fell to the 27th overall pick in the 2023 draft partly due to a left hamate bone injury that caused him to miss much of his senior year of high school. Similarly, Klassen, ranked the Phillies No. 28 prospect, dropped to the sixth round after Tommy John surgery derailed his college career.
After missing the 2021 season due to surgery, Klassen struggled with control in 2022, walking nearly as many batters as he struck out in 56 2/3 innings for the University of Minnesota. However, he has shown impressive improvement this season, striking out 51 batters and walking just eight in 34 innings across eight outings with Clearwater.
Klassens velocity hasnt wavered, as his four-seamer averages 97.3 mph, tying Josh Ekness of the Marlins High-A team for the fastest pitch tracked among pitchers in Single-A or High-A.
Despite a right shoulder issue that forced Klassen to miss a start on May 3, he returned on May 18 and immediately threw a 100 mph fastball https://www.philliesplayerfanstore.com/richie_allen_jersey-130, the fastest of his season. He has posted a remarkable 0.26 ERA and has struck out 12 without allowing any walks over his last three starts, covering nine scoreless innings.
"His stuff is top-tier, " Mattingly said. "Hes refined his delivery and arsenal, and were just looking to build on what hes done so far."
With his electric stuff, the 22-year-old Klassen could ascend through the Phillies system quickly, potentially contributing out of the bullpen. However, the team will focus on maintaining his health and continued control improvements.
Other Notable Performances in the Phillies Organization:
Triple-A Lehigh Valley: RHP Mick Abel
The Phillies' top healthy pitching prospect has faced challenges at Triple-A, struggling with control issues that have plagued him throughout his career. Abel is 1-5 with a 6.26 ERA in nine starts, with 30 walks in 41 2/3 innings.
Double-A Reading: OF Carlos De La Cruz
Though his overall numbers dont jump off the page, De La Cruz has been heating up. Over his last 10 games, the 24-year-old outfielder is hitting.351 with five doubles, one triple, and eight RBIs.
High-A Jersey Shore: LHP Samuel Aldegheri
Aldegheri has been dominant on the mound, striking out 10 batters in five innings during his most recent start. With a 2.51 ERA and 0.93 WHIP, the 22-year-old lefty is having a strong season and is improving steadily.
Mattingly highlighted Aldegheris progress, noting his offseason work and improvements in his physical conditioning. The Phillies are pleased with where he is and are excited for his continued development.
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Aidan Miller and George Klassen Off to Strong Starts in 2024
