The Milwaukee Brewers declined their end of a $12 million mutual option with left-hander Wade Miley. The veteran southpaw will receive a $1.5 million buyout from the Brewers and become a free agent. Miley signed a one-year, $8.5 million deal with Milwaukee last winter, taking the form of a $7 million salary and the mutual option. After posting a 3.14 ERA over 23 starts last season, he made just two starts in 2024 before suffering a UCL injury in April. Miley underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery in May and was rehabbing in Milwaukee in hopes of returning early next season.
Brewers Decline Mutual Option On Wade Miley https://t.co/wt8Nz7cCB9 pic.twitter.com/4OaQ4OAuNv
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) October 31, 2024
Brewers Decline $12 Million Mutual Option on Wade Miley
Miley has battled injuries for the better part of the past nine seasons. Of his 11 stints on the injured list over that span, only two have been for his elbow. The 37-year-old left-hander has posted a sub-4.00 ERA in each of his past three seasons with 100 innings pitched. When healthy, Miley has posted strong results, but it is unclear if he plans to return to the mound.
Miley was a constant presence in the Brewers dugout even after having season-ending elbow surgery in an unofficial coaching role. If he does choose to return, Milwaukee is one of the three teams he would still pitch for, with his former clubs, the Cincinnati Reds and Houston Astros, being the other two.
A veteran of 14 big league seasons, Miley has a 4.07 ERA (103 ERA+) over 317 career appearances. If he continues pitching, he should be able to secure a smaller deal rich in incentives. The veteran southpaw could also opt for a minor league contract with a base salary in the $2-4 million range.
Since Miley underwent a hybrid procedure in May, he could potentially return at some point in late April or early May. Given his popularity among the players and coaches, there is a possibility that a smaller deal could be worked out to keep Miley in Milwaukee.
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