Jalen Miller Scouting Report & Game Video

Dates Observed: June 29 – July 3, 2018

Team/Organization: San Jose Giants (San Francisco Giants)
League/Level: California League (High-A)
Scouting Notes: Coming into his own after a couple of hot starts/quick fades, particularly offensively, the last couple years in full-season ball; still just 21 years old at this point, the Giants have really tested him early in his career, and now, it appears those tests are starting to pay off for Jalen Miller after really turning a corner in multiple facets of his game in 2018 … Taller at the plate than in years past; still with open stance, but not sitting down back into his crouch as much, especially to start; higher hands with a less pronounced load with the bat as he readies to swing. Focus on “being an athlete” at the plate has brought good results thus far in 2018; weathered early-season slumping and has consistently produced more or less all year long; tracking the ball better than in years past with improved bat speed and more leverage through load and into swing … Power tool coming along nicely in 2018; Cal League context aside, more natural strength with more muscle than a year ago; combined with improved bat speed and full plate coverage, really has him going gap-to-gap with fair share of over-the-fence pop already. Growing into his body nicely and adjusting well to the physical demands of the game, learning the physical rhythm of a full 140 … Timed 4.28 up the line from the RHH box in my look here; 4.69 and 4.76 on the turn at first; 8.08 and 8.12 to second base; speed is OK. Footwork and quickness will play, particularly defensively with some sneaky speed on the bases … Shortstop experiment (below) appears to be over; full-time second baseman now, and that’s where he should be. Good first step reads on balls off the bat, particularly up the middle to his backhand side; enough arm strength for the position, good accuracy with quick release, ability to throw off-balance and on the run. Will be a decently solid to above-average defensive second baseman when it’s all said and done, real shot to hit everyday ceiling there by the time he reaches the big leagues … In all, Jalen Miller has developed nicely in the last 12 months, from a kid slightly in over his head in the Cal League in 2017 to a force holding his own at the top of San Jose’s lineup. Might be worth a short-term shot to get him a Double-A look right at the end of 2018 as a reward; regardless, Miller’s long-term everyday second base ceiling is still well within reach at this point.

Game Video:

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Dates Observed: April 10-24, 2017

Team/Organization: San Jose Giants (San Francisco Giants)
League/Level: California League (High-A)
Scouting Notes: Just 20 years old, one of the younger full-time prospects in the Cal League, and showing it a little bit, particularly at the plate; decent pop at times when he gets the barrel to the ball, but in over his head against good pitching and really getting off-balance, making weak contact as he adjusts to more advanced sequencing and execution than he’s ever seen before … Giants shifting him back and forth between second base and shortstop; soft hands and quick release will play at either position, but he’s a bit undersized and long-term he’s almost undoubtedly going to exclusively play second (or some third, if he ever hits for enough power). Decent fielder but needs reps, will grow into his game in time. Jalen Miller grades out high in makeup and character, though, with maturity beyond his years, and those are traits that will help him adjust as he continues in pro ball. Likely ticketed for High-A repeat at least to begin 2018; must prove next year that he’s able to withstand mid-season slump and produce offensively all year long, among other things.

Game Video:

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