The Cincinnati Reds and veteran left-hander Wade Miley have come to terms on a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports Miley will earn a prorated $2.5 million salary upon returning to the majors. His contract will include per inning incentives for a deal worth up to $4 million. The 38-year-old southpaw is working his way back from Tommy John surgery and is expected to return in mid-to-late May.
Reds Reunite with Veteran Left-Hander on Minors Deal
Veteran starter Wade Miley signs minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds. He’ll earn $2.5 million on pro-rated MLB contract with $1,000 per inning maxing out at a total of $4 million with June 1 opt-out. He’s expected to return from Tommy John surgery in mid-May
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 29, 2025
An All-Star in 2012, Wade Miley has been a favorite of the Reds front office, spending two years in Cincinnati between 2020-21. While with the Reds, Miley posted a 3.55 ERA, striking out 18.1% of batters and throwing the 17th no-hitter in franchise history. He has spent the past three seasons with the Cubs and Brewers but has battled a variety of injuries. Miley made two starts last season, giving up five runs over seven innings, before undergoing Tommy John surgery in April. The Brewers declined their end of a $12 million mutual option with the veteran left-hander in October.
Reds Reunite with Left-Hander Wade Miley on Minor League Deal
Miley might not fit in Cincinnati’s current rotation, but he could still make an impact in the season’s second half. He owns a 4.07 ERA with a 23.5 strikeout percentage and a walk rate nearly half of the major league average over his 14-year career. When healthy, Miley has posted a sub-4.00 ERA in each of his past three seasons with 100 innings pitched.
He ranks 11th among active pitchers with 310 career starts and adds a veteran influence to Cincinnati’s young pitching staff. Miley gives manager Terry Francona another proven starter, behind Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer, Andrew Abbott, and Nick Martinez. After his hybrid UCL repair last April, it would mark a 13-month recovery window if he returns in mid-to-late May.
Main Photo Credits: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
