Noah Miller of Cedar Rapids Kernels hopes to improve his offensive output

CEDAR RAPIDS — He can pick it.

That’s what you’ll probably notice first about Noah Miller this season. The Cedar Rapids Kernels shortstop is an exceptional defender.

Just read his scouting report.

“Miller’s calling card will always be his defense,” said MLB.com. “His tools and plus instincts will enable him to play shortstop for a long time, with a strong, accurate arm and the chance to eventually be a plus defender at the premium position.”

The 20-year-old also will play some second base for the Kernels, who begin their Midwest League season Thursday night at Peoria. Jose Salas, acquired by the parent Minnesota Twins from the Miami Marlins in a trade involving American League batting champ Luis Arraez, is another intriguing shortstop type.

Let’s just say Cedar Rapids should be really strong up the middle defensively.

“(Defense has) always been the bread and butter,” Miller said. “Being from Wisconsin, it’s always snowing (in the winter), you can’t get outside. We were one of the first travel ball organizations to build an indoor facility with a full turf infield. So I’d say going there every weekend for five years probably was what made my defense so good. Just getting countless reps, getting constantly better.”

The Twins took Miller with a Competitive Balance Round A draft pick in 2021, 36th overall, out of Ozaukee High School in Fredonia, Wis., a village of about 2,500 people that is 30 miles north of Milwaukee. High-schoolers from the Midwest, especially position players, are sometimes considered risky picks, but Miller had signed to play college baseball at Alabama, and he has a pedigree.

Older brother, Owen, was a third-round draftee of the San Diego Padres in 2018 out of Illinois State University and is an infielder in the big leagues for the hometown Milwaukee Brewers. He played 130 games last season for the Cleveland Guardians.

The brothers are close and Facetime with each other three or four times a week.

“We both want to see each other do well, be the best that we can be and make each other better,” Noah said. “A lot of guys wrote him off, a lot of people don’t think people from Wisconsin can play baseball. Not even 6-foot, a small kid, a lot of people doubt you, so it’s been good see him get past that. I hope I can do the same.”

Miller committed just seven errors in over 800 innings last season for low-Class A Fort Myers. His offense has lagged behind his defense early in his pro career.

A switch hitter, Miller hit .211 in 383 at-bats, with only 18 extra-base hits. He did walk 76 times and stole 23 bases.

His is a small-ball type of game.

“Last year was an experience, getting used to guys throwing a lot harder,” he said. “Being in the Florida State League, it was a little bit tougher. Guys don’t really know where the ball is going quite as much. But I put a lot of work in this offseason with my brother. Just hitting with him, that’s been his thing is hitting. Working with him has been good. I think it’s come a long way.”

“He’s a really good defender,” said Kernels Manager Brian Dinkelman. “He made a couple of plays in spring training at shortstop that were outstanding. I know he had a really good defensive year last year at Fort Myers. Get the bat to come along a little bit, and it’ll be good. He’s only 20 years old. He’ll be fun to watch play.”

Miller checks in at No. 14 on MLB.com’s list of Twins prospects. The Kernels have nine of Minnesota’s top 30 minor leaguers, with many of them — like Miller — young for high-Class A.

“A learning curve. That’s what I’d say last season was,” Miller said. “It’s a long season going from high school to playing 130 games in one year. It’s a little different. It was good to kind of be able to understand how pro ball works, how it is. I think even being away from Florida (this season) will be even better, another experience for me. I’m excited.”

Excited to be playing close to home as well.

“Playing in Wisconsin, too, at Beloit and at Appleton, that’ll be nice,” he said. “A lot of friends are like ‘Hey, congratulations. I can come and see you play now,’ instead of having to fly to Florida.”

Comments: (319)-398-8258, jeff.johnson@thegazette.com