Sun Jun 01 21:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Miley Opts Out of Reds Contract, Seeks Starting Opportunity

**CHICAGO, IL -** Veteran left-handed pitcher Wade Miley has opted out of his minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds, becoming a free agent as he searches for a chance to start. The 38-year-old is returning from Tommy John surgery and struggled in seven starts for Triple-A Louisville this season, posting a 1-2 record with an 8.84 ERA.

The Reds faced a Sunday deadline to make a decision on Miley, who is reportedly seeking a starting role. While Cincinnati could have added him to their bullpen, Reds manager Terry Francona commended president of baseball operations Nick Krall for allowing Miley to explore other options.

“To throw him in the bullpen to try to keep (him) — because if we have something happen, it’s not good — but it’s not necessarily entirely fair to him,” Francona said, praising Krall’s handling of the situation. “I just appreciate the way Nick handled it with him.”

Miley, an All-Star in 2012 with the Arizona Diamondbacks, boasts a career 108-99 record with a 4.07 ERA in 310 starts and seven relief appearances across 14 major league seasons. He made two starts for Milwaukee last year before being sidelined with the elbow injury.

Francona noted that a return to the Reds organization is still a possibility for Miley if he fails to find a more desirable situation in free agency.

In other news for the Reds, infielder Jeimer Candelario is set to begin a minor league rehab assignment on Monday. The 31-year-old is recovering from a lower-back injury and will initially play games in Arizona before joining Triple-A Louisville for further rehabilitation.

“It just seems like it helps him to be in a more controlled environment out in Arizona where they can see some pitches and then when they’ve got some under their belt, then they can go to Triple-A,” Francona explained.

Candelario, who signed a three-year, $45 million contract before the 2024 season, has struggled this year, batting just .113 with two home runs and 10 RBIs in 22 games. He hopes to regain his form during his rehab assignment and contribute to the Reds lineup upon his return.

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