Seattle Mariners: What happened to Ian Miller?

After being drafted by the Mariners in 2013, Ian Miller made a name for himself with his blazing speed and elite defense. Climbing the ranks of the Mariners’ farm system, Miller appeared to be a certain September call-up this season. Yet, we haven’t seen him. Why?

It’s no secret that the Mariners have failed to develop Major League talent within their own organization. For the few young players that they have on their roster, the majority came up in other systems, such as Mitch Haniger and Ben Gamel.

At 26-years-old, Ian Miller isn’t what you would consider a “young prospect.” This has now been a five-year sojourn through the Mariners’ farm for Miller, and an end doesn’t appear anywhere in sight following a mediocre 2018.

Totaling 478 appearances across 114 games for Triple-A Tacoma this year, Miller slashed .261/.333/.327. Not necessarily terrible numbers, but nothing that really jumps off the page. What does stand out, however, are the 33 stolen bases.

Of course, when you analyze Miller, he becomes a tad bit redundant with Dee Gordon. Miller does pose a better ability to work counts and get on base, plus has better experience in center field, though. However, when you consider Gordon’s flexibility, the money wrapped up in him, and what it took to bring him to Seattle, that became the first strike against Miller’s chances.

Miller’s second strike was also out of his hands, as the team’s early success led them to two conclusions: an unwillingness to test the waters on younger talent, and a May acquisition of veteran left fielder Denard Span.

When Ichiro eventually retired and Robinson Cano was hit with an 80-game suspension prior to Span’s arrival, a hole had seemingly opened for Miller to fill. But the Mariners made a statement by adding Span, showing a commitment to competing this season.

The third strike against Miller ultimately was his doing. Not for anything glaringly awful, but for not making enough noise. Miller was a solid player for Tacoma this year, but just didn’t do enough to excite the Mariners enough to force their hand.

Still, it is a bit shocking that the Mariners never gave him a call this September, though their outfield is pretty full at the moment. With all of their Major League outfielders under contract for the 2019 season, Span included, the Mariners likely don’t see a future with Miller.

Miller doesn’t hold a lot of value, so don’t expect him to be a viable piece in any potential trade. It is possible, however, that he does find himself in another organization at some point this offseason. For his sake, preferably an organization that can afford him some playing time at the Major League level.

It’s sad. I was fairly excited about Miller’s future. I didn’t expect him to make a major impact, but thought he could eventually fit in as a solid role player. In the end, he’s been fine, but “fine” just doesn’t cut it. It seems like we say that too often about the Mariners’ prospects.