Last season RHP Orion Kerkering played at all four minor league levels and made his major league debut within the same year
becoming the first Phillies player to play at all four full season minor league levels and in the major leagues in the same season since the four level classification was made in 1990.
While he won’t make it to the majors this year twenty year old Aidan Miller will play for AA level Reading this evening and by doing so will have played at three levels this season. He began the year at Clearwater, was promoted to Jersey Shore on June 11th and now joins Reading for their final 2024 home stand this week and their final road trip (to Harrisburg) next week. Reading teammate Otto Kemp has also played at three levels this season albeit his initial assignment was on rehab with Clearwater. Infielder Diego Gonzalez has played at Clearwater, Jersey Shore and Lehigh Valley this year but his AAA level assignment is to fill an infield roster void created by major league promotions and LHV injuries, Diego is there as a short term fill in.
The Phillies Player Development is cognizant of keeping players challenged to continually sharpen their skillsets. Decisions to promote players are not predicated on a player’s age or the number of repetitions at a particular level but rather on the collective analysis on which level best represents the competition needed to further develop. As one coach told me the level will let you know if it’s appropriate for the player.
Aidan has a big league projection based upon his overall skillset. He’s shown power, patience and the ability to adapt at the plate and has played solid defensively at shortstop with baseball smarts, a strong and accurate arm and range. To many observers including myself he’s displayed the ability to play shortstop at the highest level in the future and should continue his development at the premium defensive position. Overall for this season to date in 97 games and 440 plate appearances he has a .265/.373/.460 slash line and .833 OPS with 99 hits, 28 doubles, 6 triples, 11 home runs, 58 RBIs, 56 walks, 22 stolen bases and 172 total bases.
The organization has strong talent at the shortstop position, obviously Trea Turner is capable of being an annual MVP candidate at the major league level. With Aidan now joining Reading and perhaps opening the 2025 season there as well the High A Jersey Shore position re-opens for twenty year old Bryan Rincon who has spent the majority of this season on the IL and working with the rehab team at the complex in Clearwater (was activated 8/27 from the 60 day IL) - he’s an excellent fielder and a switch hitter with pop. Eighteen year old Starlyn Caba (will be 19 on 12/5) is now the primary shortstop at Low A Clearwater and is very likely to open 2025 there - his defensive skills are exemplary and from personal observations I believe his bat to ball skills, plate patience and surprising pop will enable him to produce offensively as well. I also believe that twenty-two year old Erick Brito (currently with Reading) has a big league defensive skillset at shortstop but is suited (and is being developed) in a utility role and could eventually become an Edmundo Sosa type at the highest level. Depth is a great thing to have at any position but in particular at a prime defensive one. Good Stuff 🤓.
So congrats once again to Aidan and best wishes to continued development and success!
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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