Left-handed pitcher is currently signed to a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds. However, Ari Alexander from KPRC2 reports that He intends to activate the upward mobility clause in his contract, which will take effect on June 1.
Meanwhile, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer highlights that the Reds must make a decision regarding lefty Wade Miley. Miley, a veteran, signed a minor league deal in January that includes a uniform opt-out option on June 1, a clause common for all Article XX(B) free agents. According to Wittenmyer, the Reds expect Miley to use this opt-out if he isn’t added to the team’s 40-man roster by that date.
La Sorsa, 27, is a notable relief pitcher with two major league seasons under his belt, having played for the Rays and Nationals. Over 50 1/3 innings spanning the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he posted a 4.47 ERA and 4.61 FIP, with a strikeout rate of 19.2%, which is somewhat average.
Alexander notes that La Sorsa has increased his fastball velocity by over five mph compared to 2024, now reaching 94 mph. Despite this velocity boost, his Triple-A stats this year are modest: a 3.92 ERA over 20 2/3 innings with equal strikeout and walk rates of 16.1%. This suggests La Sorsa remains a developing pitcher who will need further improvement to become a reliable major league contributor.
Still, a lefty with a mid-90s fastball offers appealing potential. Since La Sorsa has remaining minor league options, it wouldn’t be surprising if another team tries to claim him. Other teams have 24 hours to add him to their 40-man roster, but the Reds can retain him by placing him on their own 40-man roster. If no team claims him and the Reds don’t add him, he will continue playing in Triple-A with Cincinnati.
Regarding Miley, the 38-year-old lefty with 14 MLB seasons is the more established of the two pitchers the Reds might lose soon. With over 300 major league starts and a career 4.07 ERA (103 ERA+) and 4.15 FIP, Miley is a veteran presence.
He underwent Tommy John surgery after two appearances with the Brewers last year and is still recovering. While a minor league contract with a veteran rehabbing from major surgery may not seem like an ideal addition, Miley has arguably improved with age. Between 2018 and 2023, he posted a 3.43 ERA (131 ERA+) and a 4.24 FIP over 582 2/3 innings.
Normally, a veteran of Miley’s caliber would be an easy choice for the team’s 40-man roster, making the opt-out clause irrelevant. However, Miley is still regaining form after his surgery and has posted a 5.93 ERA in four rehab starts at Triple-A this month.
Though one outing showed promise with two runs allowed in five innings, his strikeout rate remains low at 11.1%. While some teams might be interested in taking a chance on him, the Reds might pass given their strong rotation featuring Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, Nick Martinez, and Brady Singer.
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