The Chicago Cubs had to address their pitching staff during the offseason. The projected rotation, with Kyle Hendricks and a host of question marks, As the Cubs are claiming that they are retooling as opposed to rebuilding, finding pieces for the rotation will be vital to their chances.
Such a pitcher fell into the Cubs’ lap on Friday. They claimed Wade Miley from the Reds after he was surprisingly placed on waivers.
The #Cubs today claimed LHP Wade Miley off waivers from the Reds. pic.twitter.com/nTOI0TKCP1
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) November 5, 2021
Chicago Cubs get surprising gift for rotation
It is surprising that the Reds just gave Miley away. He is coming off of a solid year, posting a 3.37 ERA and a 1.325 WHiP over his 163 innings, striking out 125 batters with 50 walks. Miley may not be an ace, but he is a solid addition to the middle of a contending team’s rotation.
With that level of production, one would have imagined that there would be a solid trade market for Miley. The Reds held a team option for $10 million, which he is well worth. For their part, the Reds claimed that they attempted to trade Miley for the last couple of weeks, but were unable to find any takers.
This continues what will be a painful offseason for Reds fans. They already sent Tucker Barnhart to Detroit for a questionable prospect, and more cuts may be coming. Miley is not going to be the last move to dump salary.
Meanwhile, the Cubs got one of the pieces they desperately needed. Miley is a solid veteran arm, one capable of eating innings and helping any younger arms develop. Likewise, he will help the Cubs in their quest to contend in 2022, drastically improving their rotation even if he returns to his career norms.
The Chicago Cubs received a surprising gift from the Cincinnati Reds. Wade Miley is heading to the North Side, improving the Cubs’ rotation.