The Cincinnati Reds are bringing back a fan-favorite in 2025. Former Reds' pitcher, and the owner of the most recent no-hitter in club history, Wade Miley signed a minor league contract to return to Cincinnati.
The lefty suffered an elbow injury in 2024 while pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers and underwent Tommy John surgery. Miley isn't expected to return to the mound until sometime after May, but his presence gives the young Reds pitching staff a veteran pitcher and potential boost in wake of the injuries to Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar — both of whom will miss the 2025 season.
Reds reunite with former no-hit artist Wade Miley following injury-plagued 2024 season
The Reds signed Miley to a two-year contract back in 2020, and after appearing in just six games for Cincinnati that season, the lefty returned in 2021 and was the ace of the staff. In 2021, Miley went 12-7 with a 3.37 ERA in 28 starts covering 163 innings. And who could forget Miley's no-hitter in May of that year?
Last season, Miley only appeared in two games for the Brewers before hitting the injured list. Throughout his career, Miley has a 108-99 record with a 4.07 ERA and (something Reds fans will like) a 49% ground ball. Keeping the ball on the ground is imperative for pitchers who spend half their season in the launching pad that is Great American Ball Park.
Veteran LHP 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 to late May. Was 12-10, 3.55 for Reds in '20-22. Should be good for young staff.
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubMLB) January 29, 2025
According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Miley signed a pro-rated $2.5 million contract with the ability to reach $4 million through incentives. The 38-year-old can opt out of his contract on June 1 and is expected to return from injury in mid-May.
At the moment, the Reds starting rotation is comprised of Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Nick Martinez, Brady Singer, and Andrew Abbott. Greene, Lodolo, and Abbott all spent time on the IL last season, as did Graham Ashcraft. Having Miley in camp and in the dugout will be invaluable for the young Reds hurlers, and his potential ascension to the big league roster could bring a lot of excitement to GABP in 2025.