PHOENIX: Wade Miley, sporting a “Big Woo” t-shirt, was observed at some time making his way through the Milwaukee Brewers clubhouse at American Family Fields on Saturday to anyone who happened to be paying careful attention.
The Brewers players were all over the shirts, which were printed the previous season as a tribute to teammate and fan favorite Brandon Woodruff.Was it a coincidence that Woodruff was wearing it at the time, considering that he had stopped attending in November? Or was Miley possibly hinting at the news that would be revealed in just a few days?
Shortly after rumors circulated that the Brewers and Woodruff had reached an agreement on a deal to bring the right-hander back into the fold, Miley winked and said, “I just happened to have it in my locker and that’s the one that I grabbed.”On Wednesday, the announcement was formally revealed, as Woodruff inked a two-year contract with a 2026 mutual option.
According to the Associated Press, Woodruff will receive $2.5 million this season and $5 million in 2025 as part of the two-year, $17.5 million contract. Additionally, a $20 million mutual option with a $10 million buyout is available for 2026.There is also a complete no-trade clause in the contract.
Miley remarked, “I mean, there are so many positive things to say about him as a person and as a human being.” “I might have had some knowledge before some others. It’s awesome. Really, I’m at a loss for words. I’m thrilled to see Woo back here, and I know the organization is as thrilled to have him back.In a Zoom interview with reporters, Woodruff is as excited to be back.
“I’m so glad to be back,” he exclaimed. I have spent my entire life in this organization. My current predicament is well known to the medical team, front desk staff, coaching staff, players, and even the city’s residents. I get to stay in the same house as before.”You know, just a lot a lot of positives I can take from this and it made the decision pretty easy.”
After undergoing surgery on October 13 to repair the anterior capsule in his right shoulder, Woodruff was left wondering where he would play in 2024, if at all, throughout the offseason while he went through the earliest stages of healing and recovery.
