Reds: Picking up Wade Miley’s team-option is a no-brainer

The Cincinnati Reds will have a lot of decisions to make this offseason. The easiest decision in front of the team is picking up the team-option on Wade Miley‘s contract. Miley has continued to have a dominant season and has earned the opportunity to be a part of this ball club in 2022.

Miley seems to be hitting his stride for the Reds this season. Dealing with injuries last season, Miley’s first year with the team didn’t go the way anyone had hoped. Starting just four games and not notching a win, Miley has had a monster 2021 campaign.

Miley, now 34 years old, has given a superhero-like effort every time he has been on the mound for the Cincinnati Reds this season. That includes his no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians back in May.

The Reds should pick up Wade Miley’s team-option for 2022.

Wade Miley’s stats have been well above average compared to his career numbers. This season, in 17 starts, he has a record of 8-4, an ERA of 2.72, with 84 strikeouts. Miley holds the best ERA and winning percentage of any starting pitcher on the Cincinnati pitching staff.

Since the start of June, Miley has pitched in eight games. In those eight contests, Miley has a record of three wins, zero losses, and five no-decisions. The southpaw has pitched seven innings or more in four of his last eight starts.

The Reds will have the option to buy out Miley’s contract in 2022 for $1M. If the team decides to pick up the team option, Miley will receive $10M next season; a price that he has earned with his performance this season.

With Sonny Gray and Luis Castillo both locked up until 2023, the Reds primary focus for a starting pitching arm will be on Miley. The team is in a great position to keep a highly successful starting pitching staff for the foreseeable future.

The Cincinnati Reds will have so many questions to answer when the season comes to an end. With so much of the season left, it’s hard to look this far ahead, but when it comes to picking up the team option on Miley, this question should already have a resounding yes to it.

What do you think the Reds should do with the team option on Miley’s contract? What are some other issues you would like to see addressed this offseason? Hopefully, we have an answer about the bullpen far before the winter meetings. Until then, we have some more baseball to play, folks.