MLB spring training is flying by as just over three weeks remain before Opening Day 2025. Teams around the Majors have already begun trimming the fat as they inch toward their season-opening roster, and Philadelphia Phillies fans have been eagerly waiting to see which of their players will be given the axe first.
Well, the time for waiting is over. On Tuesday, the Phillies announced their first wave of spring training cuts.
First Phillies Spring Training Cuts Include Aidan Miller, Justin Crawford
Phillies reporter Ty Daubert is reporting that Philadelphia has reassigned the following five players to the minors as a part of the club's first spring training cuts:
- Justin Crawford (Outfielder)
- Tristan Garnett (Left-handed Pitcher)
- Aidan Miller (Infielder)
- Caleb Ricketts (Catcher)
- Carson Taylor (Infielder)
INF Aidan Miller and Carson Taylor, C Caleb Ricketts, OF Justin Crawford and LHP Tristan Garnett were reassigned to minor-league camp, Phillies said.
— Ty Daubert (@TyDaubert) March 4, 2025
Nice showing in big-league spring for Miller and Crawford, two top prospects.
When it comes to the above quintet, Miller and Crawford are the two most notable demotions. The duo is currently ranking high on MLB.com's top-100 prospects ahead of the 2025 campaign, with Miller sitting at No. 27 and Crawford occupying the No. 63 spot.
Miller, 20, was drafted 27th overall by the Phillies in 2023 and made nine plate appearances this spring training, resulting in zero hits with three strikeouts and a trio of walks. He's still young, though, and Philadelphia is hoping that the best is yet to come.
Miller dazzled with the Phillies' minor-league affiliates in 2024, recording 11 home runs, 60 RBIs, 56 walks, and 23 stolen bases while slashing .261/.366/.446 across 102 games.
As for Crawford, his spring training run was more productive than his fellow Phillies prospect. The ex-2022 first-round pick recorded a trio of hits, along with two walks and a pair of stolen bases while making 12 plate appearances this spring. He's only 21 years old, though, meaning there isn't an issue to rush him into the big-league lineup.
Instead, Crawford will have the chance to improve on last year's minor-league performance. Suiting up in 110 games across two leagues, the Phoenix, AZ native amassed nine HRs, 61 RBIs, 42 SBs, and 32 walks while batting .313 with a .805 OPS.
Miller and Crawford are both extremely talented, and continuing their positive development could see them join the Phillies sooner rather than later. For now, expect the dynamic duo to terrorize the minors for at least the next few months.