Welcome to Volume Eight of PARScards for 2026!
Next up, we have Gage Miller of the Marlins. Let’s dig in!
Background
Miller, taken in the third round in 2024 from Alabama, is a contact-oriented second baseman who can also handle third. After transferring from JUCO in his junior year, he led Alabama in hits, home runs, RBI, runs, total bases, OBP, SLG... you get the picture. He was a Perfect Game Second Team All-American and ranked 68th overall by MLB Pipeline entering the draft. He ultimately went 92nd overall, as there were questions about his transition from aluminum to wood bats. Some scouts felt he lacked the juice.
How’d We Get Here?
He debuted after the draft in 2024 and, across A and High-A, slashed .240/.305/.298 with 0 home runs in 26 games. Not great. 2025 was a step forward, but only a modest one. Across two levels (A+/AA) and 103 games, Miller slashed .211/.326/.313 with 6 home runs and 21 stolen bases. Needless to say, he was proving the critics correct.
Now in 2026, he’s again played at two levels, this time AA and AAA. In 54 games to date, he’s popped 9 home runs total. At AAA, he’s really turned it on, with a .354/.480/.608 line in his first 25 games. The underlying data shows modest exit velocities, but he’s strikingly similar to another scrappy 5-foot-11 second baseman:
Images courtesy of tjstats.ca
The Good
- Plus hit tool
- Fast mover through the Marlins system
- Defensive versatility at second and third base
The Bad
- Exit velocity data doesn’t back up the power numbers
- Blocked at the highest level
First AAA home run, 5-30-26 off Jonathan Cannon
The Verdict
Miller’s numbers have been phenomenal in 2026, but under the hood, things look a bit different. While the EV’s are lacking, his AAA home runs have come off Jonathan Cannon, Owen Wild, Steven Matz, & Mason Englert—three major leaguers and a legit prospect. Either way, a second baseman who produces 15 HR/15 SB is pretty valuable in fantasy. There’s not much room in Miami right now, with Xavier Edwards holding the keys to the keystone. The Marlins also have plenty of options in case of injury—Javier Sanoja, Leo Jiménez, Jared Serna, Connor Norby, et al. He’s a decent speculative add in deep leagues, especially at just 1% owned, but it’ll take a few things to break right for him to get a chance. A move to the outfield or a trade will likely be necessary for him to get regular playing time, but Miller’s done nothing but hit in 2026 to make his case.
Thanks for reading!
- Rick ✌🏼