Miller, 18, was tabbed by Baseball America as the top prospect in the state of New Jersey heading into the 2008 draft. He was also ranked as the 158th-best prospect overall by the same publication while going 6-3 with a 2.13 ERA (52.2ip/16er), 85 strikeouts and just 14 walks in 21 appearances in 2008 as a senior at Shawnee (NJ) High School. He also hit .335 with a team-high six home runs and 23 RBI as an infielder during his senior season for the Renegades.
“With the signing of Quinton we are pleased to add another player that possesses solid on-field ability and is a good person off the field,” said Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington. “Based on potential alone, Quinton was projected to be an early round selection in the draft but was still available due to his commitment to the University of North Carolina. We are thrilled to be able to have him join our organization.”
The 6’1”, 185-pound Miller signed a letter of intent to play baseball at the University of North Carolina before coming to terms with the Pirates. During his senior year Quinton was also named the New Jersey High School Player-of-the-Year by Gatorade. Miller’s high school career was also highlighted after being named to the AFLAC All-American team in the summer of 2007.
“Quinton is solid young man with an upside arm, a good projectable frame and a clean arm action with the potential for two plus pitches,” said Greg Smith, Pirates Director of Scouting. “He possesses the attributes necessary to become a quality major league starting pitcher.”
The Pirates have now come to terms with 31 of their 50 selections from this year’s draft.