The Milwaukee Brewers have decided not to exercise their $12 million mutual option for left-handed pitcher Wade Miley. As a result, he will receive a $1.5 million buyout and enter free agency. Miley originally joined the Brewers on a one-year contract worth $8.5 million, which included a $7 million salary and the mutual option. Last season, he recorded a 3.14 ERA across 23 starts, but in 2024, he made only two starts before suffering a UCL injury in April. He underwent Tommy John surgery in May and is currently rehabbing in Milwaukee with hopes of returning early next season.
Throughout the past nine years, Miley has faced numerous injuries, with only two of his 11 trips to the injured list related to his elbow. At 37 years old, he has maintained a sub-4.00 ERA in each of his last three seasons while pitching over 100 innings. Though he has shown solid performance when healthy, it remains uncertain if he will return to the mound.
Despite his season-ending surgery, Miley remained actively involved with the Brewers in an unofficial coaching capacity. If he decides to continue his career, Milwaukee is one of three teams he would consider, along with his former teams, the Cincinnati Reds and Houston Astros.
With 14 seasons in the major leagues, Miley has a career ERA of 4.07 (103 ERA+) over 317 games. If he continues to pitch, he is likely to secure a smaller contract with performance incentives. Alternatively, he might choose to sign a minor league deal with a base salary in the range of $2-4 million.
Following a hybrid procedure in May, Miley could potentially be ready to return by late April or early May. Given his popularity among players and coaches, there is a chance that a smaller deal could be negotiated to keep him in Milwaukee.
