From a high school draft snub to a $2.2 million Dodgers prospect

History · Published 6 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 2017, the Baltimore Orioles drafted Bobby Miller in the 38th round. He chose not to sign, opting for college instead. That gamble paved the way for a first-round selection by the Los Angeles Dodgers just three years later.

Bobby Miller's path to the Major Leagues is a study in patience and persistence. After a standout junior season at McHenry West High School in 2016, where he posted a 5–2 record and 76 strikeouts, he was selected by the Orioles in late 2017. By declining that professional contract, Miller entered the University of Louisville system. His collegiate career was defined by rapid progression: as a freshman in 2018, he earned Freshman All-American honors with a 6–1 record, eventually leading to his selection as the 29th overall pick in the 2020 MLB draft.

Miller's professional ascent faced immediate hurdles. The COVID-19 pandemic canceled the 2020 minor league season, delaying his debut until 2021 with the Great Lakes Loons. His rise was marked by significant milestones, including a combined no-hitter on July 24 in High-A and an All-Star Futures Game selection in 2022. He finally reached the Dodgers' rotation in May 2023, where he enjoyed a productive debut against the Atlanta Braves before navigating the volatility of high-level pitching.

The narrative shifted in 2024 as Miller grappled with physical and mechanical challenges. Despite a career-high 11-strikeout debut on March 29, shoulder inflammation and command issues led to multiple stints on the injured list and demotions to Triple-A Oklahoma City. By 2025, after struggling to find consistency as a starter—walking nearly as many batters as he struck out in the minors—the Dodgers transitioned him into a relief role. His journey highlights the grueling reality of modern pitching: a constant balancing act between physical durability and mechanical precision.

Currently, Miller remains on the 60-day injured list for much of 2026 due to a right shoulder injury. His career serves as a reminder that the path from a high school 'no-sign' to the MLB rotation is rarely linear, often requiring years of navigating injuries and role adjustments.

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