Aaron Wilkerson, a seasoned right-hander in the Cincinnati Reds organization, has officially opted out of his minor league contract, according to Ari Alexander of KPRC2. The 36-year-old had signed with the Reds on a minor league deal in January and spent the 2025 season with Triple-A Louisville.
In 18 starts for the Bats, Wilkerson recorded a 4.17 ERA, struck out 78 batters, and posted a 1.06 WHIP over 95 innings. Despite his solid numbers, he remained buried on the depth chart behind prospects like Chase Petty and Brian Van Belle.
Wilkerson, who pitched in the majors for the Milwaukee Brewers from 2017 to 2019, will now test free agency in hopes of finding a team that offers a clearer path back to the big leagues.
