Former Chicago Cubs Starter Miley Contemplated Retirement

The 2022 MLB season was not kind to former Chicago Cubs starter Wade Miley. So much in fact, that Miley contemplated retiring from baseball altogether following an injury-riddled campaign.

Miley dealt with a shoulder injury that limited him to just 37.0 innings last season. However, his 3.16 ERA and 1.216 WHIP showed that he was effective in his short stint. 

But at 36 years old, Miley wants more from the twilight of his career. It was for that reason that Miley reportedly pondered retirement this offseason according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

“I wanted to get my shoulder healthy. I did a little program right after the season was over and it didn’t feel good at all. I did it for four weeks and it was awful. That’s when I went into – I wouldn’t call it depressed mode, but I was like it’s not worth it. At that moment, I was like, ‘I think we’re done.’ Me and my wife talked, and I said, ‘I think this might be it.’ ”

Understanding the mental toll injuries take on elite professional athletes is important to appreciate their thought processes on these types of decisions. 

In the end, he continued to get offers and eventually decided to continue his career by returning to the Milwaukee Brewers. If healthy, Miley continues to have something to offer to MLB teams. 

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