Reds’ Miley Identified as Drug Supplier by Agent Skaggs: What You Need to Know

LOS ANGELES — Cincinnati Reds pitcher Wade Miley is mentioned in court documents concerning the tragic death of Tyler Skaggs, a former Los Angeles Angels player. Skaggs died from an accidental overdose in 2019, and a wrongful death lawsuit has been filed by his family against the Angels.

In a deposition, Skaggs’ former agent, Ryan Hamill, testified that Skaggs claimed Miley had given him pain pills containing oxycodone. This claim adds complexity to the ongoing lawsuit, which follows a previous conviction of Eric Kay, a former publicist for the Angels. Kay was sentenced to 22 years in prison for supplying fentanyl-laced pills that contributed to Skaggs’ death.

Skaggs was found dead in a hotel room in Dallas just before a game against the Texas Rangers. Miley, who is 38 years old, has not faced any criminal charges related to this case. However, his name has surfaced before; during Kay’s trial, recordings indicated that Miley may have been involved in supplying drugs to Skaggs.

Former MLB pitcher Matt Harvey, a teammate of Skaggs, testified during Kay’s trial about providing drugs to him. Harvey received a 60-day suspension for violating MLB’s drug policy and has not returned to major league baseball since. In conversations, Harvey and other players described a culture of drug use within the Angels organization during their time together.

Hamill recalled that Skaggs admitted to using drugs and identified Miley as a supplier in a conversation dating back to 2013. This timeframe adds a layer of depth to the ongoing investigation and highlights longstanding issues within the league regarding substance abuse.

Miley recently signed a one-year contract with the Reds, marking his return to the field after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2024. Despite the serious allegations surrounding him, he remains focused on his career, making two starts this season.

The tragic story of Tyler Skaggs continues to resonate, not only within baseball but also in discussions about mental health and addiction in sports. Experts emphasize the need for better support systems for athletes. A survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that athletes are at a higher risk for substance misuse, often due to stress and pressure.

This ongoing situation sheds light on the darker side of professional sports, reminding us that behind the athletes’ performances, complex personal struggles often unfold.



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