Former Milwaukee Brewers starter Wade Miley has found a new home for the 2025 season and he's staying in the NL Central. On Wednesday, it was announced that Miley had signed a minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds.
Miley pitched with the Brewers in 2018 and 2023-24, posting a 3.03 ERA in 41 starts across those three seasons. He was a key piece in the Brewers 2018 run to the NLCS and made a triumphant return to the club in 2023 as a clubhouse leader.
Unfortunately, Miley dealt with injury early in the 2024 season, starting just two games and pitching a total of seven innings before his elbow gave out, requiring Tommy John surgery. Miley did his rehabbing in Milwaukee, choosing to remain with the club as a trusted veteran leader in the clubhouse, helping along a group of very young players on the team.
Wade Miley doesn't come to terms with Brewers, signs with Reds
There was reportedly mutual interest between the Brewers and Miley in a reunion for 2025. He expressed a desire to return to pitching and see what he still has left in the tank before retiring. The 38 year old southpaw was originally seeking a major league deal but ultimately settles on a minors pact.
The incentive structure is interesting for Miley. According to Bob Nightengale, Miley will receive a prorated MLB salary of $2.5 million for the season with incentives of $1,000 for every inning pitched, up until he reaches a maximum of $4 million.
Miley had a very short list of teams he was willing to sign with this offseason, and he was looking to stay in the Midwest, with Milwaukee, Cincinnati, and Chicago among the teams he was considering, all of which are teams he's played with before.
Miley played with the Reds in 2020 and 2021, where he threw a no-hitter once, and then pitched for the Cubs in 2022.
The Brewers are in a good spot with their starting pitching depth after acquiring Nestor Cortes earlier this offseason. Aaron Ashby and DL Hall are expected to earn starts throughout the year as well. Having a veteran leader like Miley back in the clubhouse would have been a welcome sight, but ultimately, the offer the Reds put together was better and Miley made his choice.
Brewers pitchers and catchers will report on February 13th. It remains to be seen if any more moves will be made before then to add to the number of players that will be at camp.