Cubs could get a top 30 organizational prospect in a Wade Miley trade

It was a cunning bit of gamesmanship on the part of Cubs president Jed Hoyer last summer when the Reds called around seeing if anyone had interest in a Wade Miley trade and he played coy, instead waiting for Cincinnati to place the veteran on waivers and picking him up for nothing outside of his $10 million salary.

After a delayed start to his 2022 season, the seasoned veteran has been exactly what Chicago hoped for when they added him last offseason, making three starts and working to a 3.38 ERA, 3.20 FIP and 1.188 WHIP. Granted, that’s a fairly limited sample size – but that all falls in line with what he’s done since 2018, with the exception being the shortened 2020 season that was anything but typical on multiple fronts.

According to FanSided’s own Robert Murray, Miley is one of the most underrated trade candidates in the league – and could help Hoyer add to a farm system that’s on a rapid ascent following last July’s fire sale.

The Cincinnati Reds placed Miley on waivers this past offseason and allowed him to go to a division rival for nothing. In turn, the left-hander has posted a 3.38 ERA in only three starts and could net the Cubs a top-30 prospect before the Aug. 2 deadline.

If there’s one thing we know it’s that there will always been teams looking to add to their starting pitching ranks at the trade deadline. Miley represents a cost-controlled option who is on a one-year deal and poses zero long-term risk to an organization, checking every box a contender looks for in midseason pick-ups.

Cubs will almost certainly move Wade Miley ahead of the trade deadline

There are plenty of clubs who could be a fit in a Miley trade, but you can bet Chicago sorts through that field of potential suitors with an eye on the potential return. You’re not going to net the same caliber of player you got back in a Kris Bryant or Javier Baez trade, but that doesn’t mean a trade of Miley can’t help this team a few years down the road.

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Given his age, experience and expiring contract, consider this a foregone conclusion. Wade Miley is going to be on the move – and the return could prove impactful for a Cubs organization focused on the future.