"We were very spoiled last year to have only five starters through the first half the season until injuries hit a little bit," Astros Manager A.J. Hinch said.
The familiarity between Hinch and Miley made it an easy sign for the Astros. A.J. was the farm director with Arizona Diamondbacks when Wade was drafted in 2008 out of Southeastern Louisiana University. Miley is from Hammond, Louisiana and thrilled to be closer to his roots with a winning team.
"It's close to home and they've done a great job putting together a championship team," Wade said.
Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow thinks that he will be a great fit for the rotation as the lone lefty. His ability to get both left-handed and right-handed hitters out makes him valuable. Miley's postseason experience from last season also made him an attractive pitcher.
"If he just does what he did with Milwaukee last year, we will be thrilled," Luhnow said. "If he does that with our lineup, and our bullpen, we're going to have a lot of success this year... He's got a chance to win fifteen games this year."
Miley also tipped his cap to his former club. He personally had one of his best seasons last year, as did the Brewers despite losing in the National League Championship series. Wade did not allow more than three earned runs in a start all season.
"Last year in Milwaukee was a good situation... It was a fun year. I was able to help those guys get into the playoffs," Miley said.