The expected decision will send him to free agency
The Milwaukee Brewers have declined their end of a $12 million mutual option on pitcher Wade Miley. The Brewers will instead pay a $1.5 million buyout, and Miley will become a free agent.
This is not, by any means, a shocking decision. Miley had Tommy John surgery in early May after making just two starts in 2024, and he will almost certainly not be ready for the start of the 2025 season. He’ll also be 38 in 2025, and while it appears that Miley will attempt a comeback next season, it’s not a given that he’ll ever make it back to the majors, and $12 million is a lot to pay to take that chance.
Miley was a constant presence in the Brewers’ dugout this season even after having season-ending surgery, serving in a sort of unofficial coaching role for the young team. He seems very popular among players and coaches in Milwaukee, and it’s not out of the question that the team and Miley could work out a smaller deal, possibly one rich in incentives.
The Brewers still have several option decisions yet to be resolved, so we’ll keep an eye on things.