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In May 2012, Miley, a native of tiny Loranger, Louisiana, was paying his first visit to New York. It's not quite his speed.
"Some people like the high-paced lifestyle," he said. "I don't."
He said he left his Times Square hotel and made it two blocks before turning around and going back.
"There's people everywhere," he said. "You can't even cross the road, or a taxicab is going to run over you. Just a lot of people.
"You won't see that many people in my hometown in three weeks combined. Last night on the bus back we couldn't even turn. The crosswalk says stop, but it didn't even matter. It was like a herd of bulls coming through." (Nick Piecoro - azcentral.com - May 2012)
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Miley's humble upbringing undoubtedly helped form an endearing personality that has made him a hit with his teammates. There is no brashness or bravado to the man who has become the D'Backs' unexpected ace, and unlike prized prospect Trevor Bauer, he attracts no attention with an odd pregame routine or fledgling rap career.
He's just Wade. And that's enough.
"He's a big part of this clubhouse," J.J. Putz said.
It was Putz who initiated the now-famous "Words with Wade" game in the D-backs' daily spring training meetings. Miley would be given a word and be required to spell it, define it, and use it in a sentence, in front of all his teammates. The words were difficult, and Miley's ill-fated attempts to figure them out were, according to those in the room, hysterical.
"I think one of the words was 'Schadenfreude,'" Miley said, shaking his head. "I never want to use that word again. I don't even remember what it means, and I definitely don't know how to spell it."
"Schadenfreude" is a German word meaning "finding pleasure from the misfortune of others." And sure, maybe you could say Miley's teammates were experiencing a little bit of "Schadenfreude" through Miley's vocabulary limits. Or when Putz would stealthily place a bubble gum bubble atop Miley's cap during spring workouts without the pitcher knowing or noticing. Or when word got around that Miley asked a hotel clerk how long a cab ride to Alcatraz would take ... even though the club was in San Diego, not San Francisco.
But Miley has been a great sport about everything and is, in fact, happy to help keep the mood light in the D-backs' clubhouse. And though Wade might not know how to spell "Schadenfreude," he insists there's more to him than meets the eye.
"Me being from Louisiana," Miley said, "I think they think I'm some backwoods dummy. But I think I'm pretty smart."
He has certainly shown that his intelligence on the mound, getting more out his "stuff" than most pitchers.
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Wade's favorite dinner is chicken and dumplings. "Everybody in my family can cook it, so that's what I go home to get," Miley said. "There's always a big pot of it waiting for me."
- Miley credits his ability to focus strictly on the task at hand to Jay Artigues, his coach at Southeastern Louisiana University. Artigues drilled it into Miley's head that the only thing he could control was the pitch he was throwing at that time, so to give that his full attention. The lack of worrying about things other than throwing the pitch his catcher calls allows Miley to work fast.
"I try not to turn my back on the catcher," Miley said. "Just get it and go. Your defense plays better and the guys you're facing don't like it. Why not use that to an advantage." (3/20/13)
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One scout's take on Wade: "I think he has a deep repertoire and is really aggressive. For a young guy, he doesn’t seem to be bothered by being hit, which is something you can’t teach." (Example: On April 1, 2014, Miley gave up four earned runs to the Giants in the top of the first. Final score? 5-4, Diamondbacks. And Miley pitched seven innings.)
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In 2012, he finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting.
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September 14, 2013: Miley joined Randy Johnson as the only lefties in D-Backs franchise history to record consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins.
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In April 2014, Miley showed up to a D'Backs game with his famous Louisiana locks gone and sporting a bald head. "A very close friend of mine is going through chemo and radiation and I told him as long as he was going to be bald, I was going to be bald," Miley said. "It's just hair, so it's not that big of a deal. It's not like I use it like Samson or anything."
Miley's childhood friend Johnnie Santangelo III recently had a malignant brain tumor removed and is scheduled to begin chemotherapy April 14. Santangelo was drafted as a pitcher by the Kansas City Royals in 2004, but his career was cut short because of arm problems.
"It's Stage 3, which is not great by any means, but they were able to remove the tumor and the radiation and chemo is to kill the rest of the cells in hopes that it's completely gone," Miley said. "What he is going through right now, I commend him for being as strong as he is, and it helps me to stay strong."
"It changes your life perspective. You realize how important life is," Miley said. "Obviously, this game is important to me and important to everybody in here, but once you go home and you think about somebody in your life going through something like that, I didn't think about it anymore because the game was over." (Sanchez - mlb.com - 4/13/14)
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In 2014, Wade has teamed up with some other players on the D-Backs to form a group. "Fender Guitars" has supplied a music room for the group to practice. Mark Trumbo plays drums and lead guitar. Bronson Arroyo is on guitar and vocals. Miley plays base guitar. Aaron Hill plays rhythm guitar. Kurt Gibson's oldest son plays guitar and sings. A.J Pollack is also in the band.
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December 2014: Miley addressed questions about his statements related to the gluten-free diet and celiac disease. He claims the Diamondbacks pressured him to be on the diet, but he refused, and his decision became a frequent source of issues. Miley does not have a medical condition that would require him to be on the diet, and he felt that eliminating gluten was not necessary.
The Diamondbacks claim his refusal to accept the gluten-free diet did not influence their decision to trade him to the Red Sox. Some sources say it played a role. Miley admits it created animosity between him and the staff. (Lana Bandoim - Dec. 20, 2014).
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Sept 27-30, 2016: Wade was on the paternity list.
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2018 season: Miley was one of the Orioles’ main starting pitchers 2017, more or less serving as the number-three on a team that won 75 games. His numbers were actually so bad — 5.61 ERA, 5.27 FIP, 7.02 DRA — that he couldn’t warrant a major-league contract as a free agent over the offseason.
In February 2018, Miley signed a one-year, minor-league contract with the Brewers that promised him $2.5 million if his contract was selected to the Majors. On May 2, the Brewers did just that, promoting him to the big league club after he pitched 25 decent innings in Double-A. That's right, Miley was pitching in Double-A earlier in 2018. In his seven starts there, he posted a 3.55 ERA with a 28.6 K% and a 4.1 BB% against the 98 batters he faced.
Clearly, the Brewers liked Miley’s peripherals, prompting them to bring him to the big league club, where he made 16 starts for the rest of the season. Little did they know, Miley would actually play an integral role in the Brewers’ run to the NL Central title and subsequent sweep of the Rockies in the NLDS. This was a new Wade Miley, one that we had not seen in a long time, if ever.
Miley’s 2.57 ERA in 2018 was a career-low. Not just that, his 16 starts this season represented—in terms of run prevention—the best 16 consecutive starts of Miley’s career. Clearly, something changed. One does not become this good of a Major League pitcher after being at league-average (or worse) throughout the majority of their career. And, yes, Miley is no exception. Of course he changed.
Two years ago (2016), Wade did not even throw a cutter; today, it’s the most prominent pitch in his repertoire. If you want even more proof that Miley’s top pitch is now his cutter, just take his first postseason start against the Rockies as an example. He threw 24 cutters across his 64 total pitches, or 37.5 percent. While slightly lower than his season average (41.6 percent), Miley is still relying heavily on the pitch. it’s clear that Miley’s cutter isn’t just good, it’s elite.
Miley’s cutter isn’t good because of its ability to miss bats. Rather, it generates weakly-hit contact that doesn’t turn into damaging results. This minor-league deal is turning out to be quite the steal for the Brewers. It’s all because of the cutter. ( Devan Fink - SBNation - Oct. 14, 2018 )
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It was a “MARVELous” night at Great American Ball Park on July 17, 2021, as the Reds celebrated Wade’s no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians with a commemorative poster featuring the Reds pitcher and the Hulk. The exclusive comic book-style poster was made by Marvel and the Reds to recognize Miley and his Hulk tattoo that he wore on May 7, the night of his historic accomplishment. Miley’s 4-year-old son Jeb had applied a temporary Hulk tattoo on his dad’s arm before the game which the pitcher credited as his good luck charm during an interview after the no-hitter. Everything snowballed from there.
The Reds and Marvel teamed up for the special poster and distributed over 25,000 of them to fans in attendance at the game. Brian Crosby, poster illustrator and creative director of Marvel themed entertainment , flew into town for the occasion and took part in a meet and greet before the game. He signed posters for over 300 fans at the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum presented by Dinsmore. Crosby was joined by two special guests: his father -- and 1973 Reds infielder Ed Crosby -- and the Hulk himself! Ed signed pictures from his playing days, and the Hulk posed for photos with fans.
The event wouldn’t have been complete without an appearance from the night’s biggest celebrity -- the aforementioned Jeb Miley. Jeb joined his dad at the Hall of Fame to meet the Hulk and Brian Crosby and showed off a freshly applied Hulk tattoo on his shoulder while Wade wore one on his forearm, exactly where it was during the no-hitter.
Miley grinned ear-to-ear when talking about Jeb, his big day at the ballpark with the Hulk, and all the promotion leading up to it. “I don’t think he quite understands really what’s going on, other than he’s just excited,” Miley said before the game. “But it’s Marvel, and he likes all the characters. They did a little video beforehand and he was a little bit starstruck and didn’t know what to say. But then when we got home, he couldn’t stop talking about it.” (Cincinnati Reds - mlb.com - 7/20/2021)
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March 29, 2023: It was Aug. 20, 2018. The Brewers had just returned home to face the Reds. Miley had pitched two days earlier in St. Louis, so there was no reason he couldn't enjoy a pregame hamburger. Suddenly, he began to choke.
"I took two quick bites and it hung up," Miley said. "I ran in the hallway and looked around, and I couldn’t breathe. I looked around and there was nobody. I was like, 'Do I go to the training room? It was maybe 40 yards. Or do I go back into the kitchen.'"
In Miley's telling, he chose the kitchen. Teammates used to seeing Miley mess around thought he was joking when he gestured that he was choking. The day after his choking scare, Wade Miley joked with his hero, Stephen Vogt, about what was a scary ordeal.
Vogt remembers it a little differently. In his telling, Miley never left the room. He took the bite of burger and tried to wash it down with Gatorade. When the liquid spilled right back out of Miley's mouth, Vogt knew he was in trouble.
Either way, Vogt, the veteran catcher who’d given the Brewers a power jolt in 2017 but was down with a right shoulder injury in ’18, sprung into action. He grabbed Miley around the stomach hard, then hit him on the back several times for good measure.
“He gave me the Heimlich, and I’m here to tell about it,” Miley said. “He’s a lifesaver.”v (A McCalvy, MLB.com - March 29, 2023)
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Dec 4, 2023: After spending the past month testing the waters in free agency and pondering whether he wanted to keep going into his age-37 season, left-hander Wade Miley is coming back to the Brewers.
"I love it here. My family loves it here," said Miley.
Speaking of family, it was Miley's son, Jeb, who made the final call. Miley -- who has already pitched for the Brewers, Cubs and Reds among his eight MLB teams -- knew he wanted to stay in the National League Central, and he indicated he had some interest from multiple teams. Jeb Miley, who is close with the youngest sons of new Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy, told his dad he should stick with the Brewers.
"My son said I had to play for the Brewers or retire," said Miley, whose wife is expecting another son in February. "So that was it."
This is Miley’s third time signing a deal with the Brewers, for whom he first pitched in 2018. After he returned for 2023, he was 9-4 with a 3.14 ERA in 120 1/3 innings spanning 23 starts. (A McCalvy - MLB.com - Dec 4, 2023)
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May 8, 2024: Even after repairing more than 3,000 elbows, many of them belonging to the most valuable arms in the world, Dr. Timothy Kremchek isn’t in the business of publicly discussing his work.
For Brewers pitcher Wade Miley, an exception was in order. Miley, 37, underwent a hybrid procedure to repair the elbow ligament damage that has bothered the left-hander for years before his 2024 season came to an abrupt end last month. He authorized Kremchek, who has been affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds for more than a quarter century, but has performed Tommy John surgeries for pitchers from all corners of Major League Baseball, to discuss his case with MLB.com.
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“I’ve had a number of pitchers we have done this with in their mid-30s and they’ve done well,” Kremchek said. “They rehab, their elbow feels stable and they’ve come back and were able to pitch a few more years.
“Now, will he be able to? I don’t know. But at the start of the season, he looked good, and he was pitching on fumes. Without him having to worry about where his elbow is and how it feels, I’m very optimistic that this guy has a few more years in him. And so does he.
“I was pretty stoked. I was super happy when we were done.”
Kremchek is among a small group of experts performing a hybrid procedure in the past two-three years that offers patients -- including, in Kremchek’s case, former Brewers pitchers Brent Suter and Justin Wilson -- a more aggressive path to come back.
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In Miley’s case, Kremchek said, the rest of the elbow was “pristine,” but the ligament was definitely in need of repair, and probably explains why Miley had been dealing with shoulder issues and other injuries recently as he compensated for the compromised elbow.
With the elbow fixed, Kremchek’s goal for Miley is to be throwing bullpens and facing hitters by Spring Training 2025, and ready to pitch for a team in late April or May of next year.Miley re-signed with the Brewers in December for one year plus a mutual option for ‘25. The option is for $12 million with a $1.5 million buyout.
“He wants to go out on his own terms, and this is going to give him an opportunity to come back and throw,” Kremchek said. “With this new hybrid that we’re doing, you can really accelerate your throwing and your comeback.” In a Tommy John procedure, the surgeon replaces the damaged ligament with a tendon from another part of the body. In the hybrid, a surgeon performs that step, then also places a collagen-braided brace that supports the elbow. It is a much more complicated procedure than a typical Tommy John surgery and means more stiffness in the joint in the short term, but more stability as well.
As a result, a player can begin strengthening his arm again without putting too much stress on the replacement ligament.
“It’s almost like a belt and suspenders,” Kremchek said.
The procedure took place in Cincinnati, with Miley’s family watching from the viewing room. It was Miley’s first surgery and he was visibly nervous -- not surprising for a pitcher who paces the hallways of clubhouses before his starts.
“He woke up happy as a lark,” Kremchek said. “He really wants to come back to Milwaukee and be with the team this year, and then work hard to give this thing a chance and pitch a few more years. I really think he can.” (A McCalvy - MLB.com - May 8, 2024)
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Oct 31, 2024: Miley deferred a decision about whether he would continue pitching following TJ Surgery, but by season’s end, he was leaning toward a comeback.
Now he’s “definitely” intent on pitching in 2025, said agent Tom O’Connell. Miley, who turns 38 on Nov. 13, is on track to be throwing in Spring Training and expects to be ready to pitch for a team in the big leagues in May 2025.(A McCalvy - MLB.com - Nov 1, 2024)
TRANSACTIONS
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June 2008: The D'Backs drafted Wade in the supplemental part of the first round—the 43rd player chosen. And Miley signed for a bonus of $877,000, via scout Trip Couch.
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December 10, 2014: The Red Sox sent pitchers Rubby D La Rosa and Allen Webster and a player-to-be-named to the D'Backs, acquiring Miley.
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February 5, 2015: Miley and the Red Sox avoided arbitration and agreed to a three-year extension. The pact includes a fourth-year option.
The value of the contract is $19.25 million, and it would increase to $30.75 million if the Red Sox exercise their fourth-year option. The deal breaks down as follows: $500,000 signing bonus, $3.5 million in 2015, $6 million in 2016, $8.75 million in 2017, and a $12 million club option for 2018 with a $500,000 buyout.
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December 7, 2015: The Mariners sent RHP Carson Smith and LHP Roenis Elias to the Red Sox, acquiring Miley and reliever Jonathan Aro.
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July 31, 2016: The Mariners traded Miley to the Orioles for LHP Ariel Miranda.
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Nov 3, 2017: Wade chose free agency.
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Feb. 15, 2018: The Brewers signed a minor league contract with Miley which included an invite to Spring Training. The deal will pay $2.5 million base salary in the Majors, with $3.2 million more in incentives.
March 22, 2018: "This is unusual timing. We have a player who had an injury the day before decisions had to be made," said GM David Stearns, referring to an "out" in Miley's Minor League contract.
By day's end, Stearns and Miley's agent, Tom O'Connell, had an agreement to keep Miley in the organization while he rehabs. The Brewers will pay Miley the $100,000 retention bonus he's due as a veteran non-roster invitee, and he will remain on his Minor League contract. Had he made the Brewers' Major League roster on Opening Day, even on the disabled list, Miley would have been guaranteed a $2.5 million salary, with an additional $3.2 million available in incentives.
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Oct 29, 2018: Wade chose free agency.
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Jan. 31, 2019: The Astros and Miley agreed to a one-year deal worth $4.5 million, with an additional $500,000 in incentives.
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Dec 16, 2019: Miley and the Reds agreed to a two-year, $15 million contract with a $10 million club option for 2022. He will earn $6 million in '20 and $8 million in ’21, with an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses based on innings pitched.
Wade was eager to be reunited with pitching coach Derek Johnson, his coach with Milwaukee when he was 5-2 with a 2.57 ERA in 16 starts in an injury-plagued 2018 season.
"As soon as the Reds came up, it was like, Derek Johnson, ding-ding-ding in my head," Miley said. "It automatically sky-rocketed them up on the list. We hit it off in Milwaukee for whatever reason. The way he communicates, the way he gets things across to me, and the way he picks out things in my delivery—he kind of lets me be me as opposed to trying to change everything. I think he does that with a lot of guys. I think that's why he's had a lot of success in his first couple of years." (Mark Schmetzer - Reds Report - Feb., 2020)
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Nov 5, 2021: The Cubs claimed Miley off waivers from the Reds, picking up Miley's contract with a $10 million club option and a $1 million buyout.
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Nov. 6, 2022: Miley became a free agent.
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Jan. 4, 2023: Miley agreed with Brewers on one-year, $4.5 million contract that includes a mutual option for a second season.
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Nov 3, 2023: - Veteran left-hander Wade Miley declined his half of a $10 million mutual option for 2024, according to a source, and will instead test his value on the free-agent. market. Miley, who turns 37 on Nov. 13, will get a $1 million buyout.
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Dec 4, 2023: The Brewers signed free agent Miley. Miley finalized a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2025. The contract guarantees $8.5 million. Miley will earn $7 million in 2024, with $2.5 million more available in incentives for innings pitched, and the 2025 option would pay $12 million, with a $1.5 million buyout. Miley also has a 10-team, limited no-trade clause in this deal. If he is dealt, he would get a $1 million assignment bonus.
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Oct 31, 2024: the Brewers declined their half of veteran left-hander Wade Miley’s $12 million mutual option, a widely expected outcome that gave Miley a $1.5 million buyout and made him a free agent.
- Feb 4, 2025: The Reds signed free agent Miley.
- Nov 2, 2025: Miley elected free agency.