Veteran Pitcher Wade Miley Signs Minor League Deal with Reds

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Veteran left-handed pitcher Wade Miley has agreed to a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The deal includes a prorated $2.5 million base salary if Miley reaches the major leagues, with incentives that could push his earnings to $4 million based on innings pitched.

Miley, 38, is recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in late April 2024 and is targeting a mid-to-late May return. If successful, this would mark a 13-month recovery period. The contract includes opt-out clauses on June 1, five days before Opening Day, and May 1, though Miley is expected to still be rehabilitating at those points.

This marks Miley’s second stint with the Reds, having previously pitched for the team from 2020 to 2021. During that period, he posted a 12-10 record with a 3.55 ERA. Miley’s return comes as the Reds bolster their pitching depth, with a rotation currently featuring Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Graham Ashcraft, and Andrew Abbott, alongside promising prospects.

“Veteran (left-handed pitcher) Wade Miley, a favorite of the Reds front office, has signed a minor-league deal to return to the team as he eyes a return from Tommy John surgery in mid to late May,” Wittenmyer reported. “He should be good for the young staff.”

Miley’s career appeared to be in jeopardy after he made only two starts with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024 before requiring elbow surgery. However, he expressed a desire to continue pitching and considered returning to the Brewers, Reds, or Chicago Cubs. Cincinnati ultimately offered a more compelling contract structure.

In 2023, Miley enjoyed a strong season with the Brewers, logging a 3.14 ERA over 120 1/3 innings. Despite a low strikeout rate (16.1%), he demonstrated excellent command (7.8% walk rate) and induced weak contact consistently. His career resurgence began in 2018 after signing a minor league deal with Milwaukee, and he has since posted a 3.46 ERA over 589 2/3 innings across multiple teams.

The Reds’ decision to sign Miley reflects their strategy to add veteran depth to a young pitching staff. While injuries are inevitable, Miley’s experience and track record could provide valuable reinforcement later in the season.