Catching up with Boston Red Sox prospect Tyler Miller

Image courtesy of Kelly O’Connor

If you follow me on Twitter, you likely have seen me discuss Tyler Miller a few times. The corner infielder/outfielder is one of the more underappreciated prospects in the Boston Red Sox system.

I've constantly talked about his great defense (especially at first base) and think he gives whatever lineup he's in a steady bat that can provide big hits.

Miller was a key part of the championship run for the High-A Greenville Drive in 2023. After starting the 2024 season with the same team, he worked his way to Double-A before the calendar turned to June.

The Auburn alum isn't going to get the hype of the top prospects in the system. Boston's farm is stacked to the point that talented players get buried, not just in the rankings but in the organization. It creates a difficult journey. There aren't places to move up, and your position is blocked.

Through it all, Miller keeps producing. We caught up with the 2021 ninth-round pick to see how the journey has been through his eyes.

Q: Last year, you were in Greenville, a part of that championship run. What was that like for you?

"Anytime you can win a championship, it's something. You're there to develop yourself, but when stuff comes together, it results in winning. A lot of good players on that team and in this organization as a whole."

Q: Greenville lost Roman Anthony and Kyle Teel. Was that something that came up in the clubhouse, or was it just a next-guy-up mentality?

"We believed in ourselves. We clinched in the first half, and Teel and Roman joined us in the second half. So we knew we still had the talent to win. You want those two when you're about to be in a playoff series, but when you're that far in the year, and they leave, you know someone else has to step up, and that's what happened."

Q: Everyone had a big moment. You had an RBI hit in the final game. What was the atmosphere like in that game? It had to be one of the biggest professional games of your career.

"Greenville pulls in a good crowd regardless. It's one of the best ballparks I've played in. They bring in 5-6,000 on a Tuesday or Wednesday evening. Of course, a championship game, people are going to want to see that. Greenville's a thriving community, so people were going to come out and support and have a great time. I can't remember how long it's been since they won, but they were ready to win another."

Q: What was the moment like for you when you got promoted? Were you expecting it?

"I was expecting it to a certain extent. Had a little injury in spring training, so I think I was more going to Greenville to get some more at-bats before heading up here. When they told me it was just time to go play some more baseball."

Q: Pound-for-pound, I think you're the best defensive first baseman in the organization. You also look great at third base, though. Is there a preference?

"I don't have a preference between the two. They're basically the same thing, the ball's getting hit at you 1,000 miles an hour. The only difference is at first, you don't have to throw it across.

Q: What's been the biggest difference you've noticed in Double-A?

"For the most part, the stuff is still about the same. Pitchers are still going to throw gross stuff. They just don't throw it over the heart of the plate as much. In High-A you may get two pitches an at-bat. Here, you're probably going to get one, maybe not any. So just don't miss that one pitch once you get it."

Q: Something that's been talked about a lot is how good this Portland locker room is. How's it been for you since you got here?

"Yeah, most of this team is from my draft class. I knew coming in, once we all got drafted, that we'd be a pretty good team. We all kinda met back up here again in Double-A, and it just kind of proves me right that this team's really good. We got a lot of depth. Anyone that comes to the plate can get a hit, get a homer, you know?"

Q: No baseball activity allowed. What are you doing on a day off?

"Probably go grab a bite to eat with some of the buddies. Lay in bed and just relax. Occasionally play golf. It depends. Maybe play some video games and watch some movies. Just lay low."

Q: Portland teals or Greenville Black Spinners jerseys?

"I haven't worn the teals yet, but I say the teals. You have to wear the pants up [with the Spinners], and I'm not real big on wearing the pants up."

Follow Hunter on Twitter @Hunter_Noll.

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