Veteran pitcher Wade Miley has officially opted out of his minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds, making him a free agent as of June 1. This development follows speculation about Miley’s status after he underwent Tommy John surgery last season and has been working through his rehabilitation.
Miley, 38, has had a notable career spanning 14 seasons in Major League Baseball, recording over 300 starts with a commendable career ERA of 4.07. Despite his experience, he has struggled during his recent rehab assignments, posting a 5.93 ERA in four starts at Triple-A this month and showing only an 11.1% strikeout rate. Nevertheless, Miley has had periods of strong performance; between 2018 and 2023, he maintained a more impressive 3.43 ERA.
On another note, left-handed pitcher Joe La Sorsa remains in the Reds’ organization on a minor league deal and plans to utilize an upward mobility clause in his contract effective June 1. Aged 27, La Sorsa has had two seasons in the majors and has recently increased his fastball velocity to 94 mph. Though his Triple-A stats show a 3.92 ERA, his overall effectiveness remains under evaluation as he balances his strikeout and walk rates at 16.1%.
With the Reds possessing a solid starting rotation featuring pitchers like Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo, the decision on Miley might be more complex. His recent challenges in performance could lead the Reds to reconsider whether to place him on the 40-man roster or to take a chance on the free agent market.
In conclusion, Miley’s opt-out opens up opportunities for both him and potential teams, as the demand for experienced pitchers in the league remains steady. Teams may find value in taking a calculated risk on Miley, who, despite recent struggles, has demonstrated resilience and capability over his long career.