The Cincinnati Reds didn’t swing for the fences at this year’s trade deadline, but they made calculated moves to solidify their roster. Rather than pursuing a high-profile slugger, the front office focused on adding useful pieces to both the lineup and the pitching staff — including one move that may have quietly signaled the end of a respected veteran’s MLB career.
On deadline day, the Reds brought in outfielder Miguel Andujar from the Oakland Athletics, sending pitching prospect Kenya Huggins — ranked No. 22 in their system — the other way. Andujar, now 30, has quietly put together a solid campaign, hitting .298 with six home runs and 27 RBIs in 60 games. Known for his contact-driven approach and defensive flexibility, Andujar adds depth to a Reds roster eyeing a postseason push.
Miley’s IL Move Raises Questions About the Future
But while the team welcomed Andujar, the ripple effects were felt elsewhere. To make room on the roster, the Reds shifted veteran left-hander Wade Miley to the 60-day injured list, delaying any potential return until late August — if at all.
Miley, who joined the Reds on a modest contract this offseason, has battled injury after injury in 2025. He’s pitched only 12 innings, holding a rough 6.75 ERA and recording seven strikeouts over three starts. While those stats alone might not tell the full story, the bigger concern is whether fans have already seen Miley throw his final pitch in the big leagues.
Despite the Reds insisting that the IL transfer doesn’t necessarily change his rehab trajectory — Miley has been throwing long toss and has a bullpen session planned — the move casts a long shadow. At 38 years old, with a history of injuries and a desire to be more present for his family, Miley’s future feels increasingly uncertain.
A Career Worth Celebrating
This isn’t uncharted territory for Miley. While recovering from Tommy John surgery last season, he openly discussed the idea of retirement, telling the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “I’ll probably be around the game until they can’t move my body anymore… But it’s really getting close to time for me to go back and be a dad.” Even then, he wasn’t sure if the drive to compete was still enough to keep pushing through the grind.
If this is indeed the end, Miley can hold his head high. Over a 15-year MLB career that included an All-Star selection in 2012, he became known as a reliable, ground-ball inducing pitcher who brought a veteran presence to every team he joined — eight in total. Never a flamethrower, but always steady.
For now, Reds fans can only wait. Should Miley make it back for one final run, every inning will be worth cherishing. But whether he returns in August, September, or not at all, one thing is clear: Wade Miley’s time in the game may be coming to a graceful close.
