Milwaukee Brewers Pitcher Talked with Division Rival Before Signing Contract This Offseason

Veteran pitcher Wade Miley re-signed with the Milwaukee Brewers this offseason, but not before he talked with the division-rival Cincinnati Reds about possibly pitching for them.

Per Mark Sheldon of MLB.com:

During their efforts to land a starting pitcher, the Reds were involved in talks with free agents Sonny Gray and Wade Miley but missed out on both former Cincinnati pitchers. They also had interest in Rays starter Tyler Glasnow, who was traded to the Dodgers.

The Reds interest in Miley makes sense, given that the team has a lot of young but uncertain arms in the rotation. Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Graham Ashcraft, Brandon Williamson and Andrew Abbott all have upside, but all come with innings or injury concerns in 2024.

Despite missing out on those targets, the Reds have signed reliever Emilio Pagan, swingman Nick Martinez and starter Frankie Montas this offseason.

Cincy is looking for its first playoff berth since the COVID shortened 2020 season.

As for Miley, he went 9-4 in 2023 with a 3.14 ERA. He made 23 starts and helped the Brewers win the National League Central crown. Unfortunately for them, they were swept in the wild card round by the Arizona Diamondbacks, who eventually went on to the World Series.

He just wrapped up his 13th year in the big leagues with the Brewers, Diamondbacks, Red Sox, Mariners, Orioles, Astros, Reds and Cubs. Lifetime, he's 108-98 with a 4.06 ERA. Miley has been mostly durable in his career as well. He made the 23 starts this past year and 28 in 2021. He also made 33 in the pre-pandemic season of 2019.

Bringing Miley back is a solid move for Milwaukee, which is dealing with uncertainty of its own on the pitching staff. The team non-tendered Brandon Woodruff after he suffered a serious injury and could potentially trade former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes this offseason.

Miley got a one-year deal with an option for 2025.