Wade Miley's encouraging assessment of top Reds prospect adds to increased fan hype

For a young prospect, receiving praise from a major-league veteran is always a good thing, even if the two have never formally met.

Wade Miley is back with the Cincinnati Reds after spending the previous two seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers. Miley, who underwent Tommy Johnn surgery last season, isn't ready to pitch just yet, but he's helping the Reds in other ways.

Reds pitchers and catchers reported to Goodyear last week, and Miley had his eye on top pitching prospect Chase Petty. Miley observing Petty participate in live batting practice saw the young right-hander throwing a cutter and called it "gross" — among other words — according to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic (subscription required). For Petty, a non-roster invitee, having these types of minor interactions and impressions will bode well for him as he aspires to join the Reds rotation this season.

Wade Miley's encouraging assessment of Chase Petty adds to increased fan hype

Petty obviously still has a ways to go before putting on a Reds jersey and stepping onto the field at Great American Ball Park, but his rise through the organization — mixed with what big leaguers like Miley are saying about him — has fans excited to see him receive a call-up to The Show in 2025.

If Petty dominates during spring training, he may well vault into the competition alongside Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns as the next man up. Petty made 26 starts with Double-A Chattanooga in 2024, twirling 123 strikeouts across 127 innings before sniffing time in Triple-A at the end of last season. Originally praised for his triple-digit fastball in high school, Petty has developed his off-speed stuff and become a much more complete pitcher.

The Reds starting rotation is a bit congested at the moment with Brady Singer, Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Nick Martinez, and Nick Lodolo likely to begin the season, leaving little wiggle room for Petty or any other young pitcher. But Miley's endorsement certainly carries some weight, and as the season progresses, Reds fans could see Petty make his major league debut later this summer.

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