Reds news: 2020 draft pick Jackson Miller reportedly signs over slot value

Jackson Miller has a bright future behind the dish for the Reds.

It appears as though the Cincinnati Reds have now agreed to terms with all six of their 2020 draft picks. Jackson Miller took to Twitter last night to confirm his deal with the team, and Jim Callis of MLB.com reported that Miller agreed to a deal slightly over slot value. Miller was the lone holdout remaining, after the other five draft picks had already signed deals with the clubs.

Miller will now forego his commitment to Wake Forest. The 18-year-old catching prospect will add some much needed depth to the position. Former first-round pick Tyler Stephenson is likely to graduate to the big leagues this season, leaving no catchers among the Reds Top 30 prospects according to MLB Pipeline. Chris Okey might be the Reds best catching prospect at the moment.

According to Callis, Miller signed for 1.29M, which is slightly over the $1,025,100 slot value of the 65th pick in the 2020 Major League Baseball Draft. Callis refers to Miller as an advanced hitter with a good approach who is athletic behind the plate and has a solid arm. I’d say that’s a vote of confidence for a young catching prospect.

Supplemental 2nd-rder Jackson Miller signs with @Reds for $1.29 million (slot 65 value = $1,025,100). Florida HS C, advanced prep bat with good approach, athletic for his position, solid arm. Wake Forest recruit. @MLBDraft #WearAMask
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 12, 2020

Jackson Miller has been described as a hit-first catcher. Prior to the 2020 MLB Draft, Miller received a favorable rating from Keith Law of The Athletic, who put him No. 62 on his big board. However, MLB.com ranked Miller as the 104th best prospect in the draft.

The key with Miller, of course, will be patience. Miller has not played catcher his entire high school career, so it will take the Florida-native some time to adapt. However, his athletic ability will definitely help Miller grow into the position. He’s also a left-handed hitter, something that’s sure to be an advantage at the next level.

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There’s also no reason to rush Miller to the majors. With Tucker Barnhart under contract through 2021, and Stephenson having not yet debuted, the Cincinnati Reds have solid options for the next several seasons. Miller joins, fellow prep players Austin Hendrick and Mac Wainwright, along with college pitchers Joe Boyle, Bryce Bronnin and Christian Roa, as all six draft picks are now in the fold.

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