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Luke Maile
Luke Maile
Luke Maile
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Luke Richard Maile (born February 6, 1991) is an American professional baseball catcher in the Kansas City Royals organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays, Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Guardians, and Cincinnati Reds. Before his professional career, Maile played baseball for Covington Catholic High School and the University of Kentucky.

Key Information

Amateur career

[edit]

Maile attended Covington Catholic High School in Park Hills, Kentucky. While there, he set school records for batting average, on-base percentage, hits, walks, runs scored, runs batted in (RBIs), doubles, and triples.[1] Maile was named The Cincinnati Enquirer's Player of the Year three times and was named Kentucky's Mr. Baseball in his senior year.[2] He graduated in 2009.[3]

The Boston Red Sox selected Maile in the 43rd round of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft,[4] but he did not sign as he believed they did not offer enough money.[2] Instead, Maile chose to enroll at the University of Kentucky, playing college baseball for the Kentucky Wildcats. In 2011, he played in three collegiate summer baseball games for the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League.[5] In 2012, his junior year, Maile won the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Player of the Week Award twice, was an All-SEC Second Team member, and was a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy.[6] That season, he hit .319 with 12 home runs and 9 stolen bases in 62 games.[7]

Professional career

[edit]

Tampa Bay Rays

[edit]

The Tampa Bay Rays selected Maile in the eighth round, with the 272nd overall selection of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft.[6] He was assigned to the Low-A Hudson Valley Renegades for the rest of 2012, appearing in 61 games and batting .278 with three home runs and 41 RBI.[7] In 2013, Maile played in 95 games for the Single-A Bowling Green Hot Rods. He finished the year with a .283 batting average, four home runs, and 49 RBI.[7] That autumn, he played for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League.[7]

In 2014, Maile played for the Montgomery Biscuits of the Double-A Southern League.[8] The Rays promoted him to the Durham Bulls of the Triple-A International League at the end of August, but he did not appear in any games for the Bulls in 2014.[9] In 97 games for Montgomery, Maile hit .268 with five home runs and 37 RBI.[7] Maile played for the Bulls in 2015, hitting .207 in 89 games,[7] and was promoted to the major leagues on September 1.[10] He appeared in 15 games for the Rays in 2015 and hit .171 with two RBI.[11]

Maile split time between Durham and Tampa Bay in 2016. He played in 58 games for the Bulls, hitting .242 with two home runs and 12 RBI.[7] With the Rays, he appeared in 42 games with a .227 batting average, three home runs, and 15 RBI.[11] The Rays designated Maile for assignment on April 2, 2017.[12]

Maile with the Blue Jays in 2017

Toronto Blue Jays

[edit]

The Toronto Blue Jays claimed Maile off waivers on April 6, 2017.[13] On April 28, Maile was recalled from the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons after Jarrod Saltalamacchia was designated for assignment.[14] Maile was placed on the disabled list on July 4 with knee inflammation. An MRI later that day determined he had a torn meniscus.[15] He was activated from the disabled list on September 1.[16] For the 2017 season, Maile hit .146 with two home runs in 46 games.[17]

Maile served as the backup catcher for the 2018 season. He hit .248 with three home runs and 27 RBI.[18] Maile appeared in only 44 games in 2019 due to an oblique injury,[19] hitting .151 with two home runs.[20] He was non-tendered on December 2 and became a free agent.[21]

Pittsburgh Pirates

[edit]

On December 16, 2019, Maile signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates.[22] On July 18, 2020, the team announced that Maile would undergo season ending finger surgery after being hit by a pitch in an exhibition game.[23] On October 30, 2020, Maile was outrighted off of the 40-man roster.

Milwaukee Brewers

[edit]

Maile signed a one-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers on December 8, 2020. On April 30, 2021, hemade his Brewers debut, coming in as a pinch runner and staying in the game as the catcher.[24] Maile played in 15 games for the Brewers, hitting .300 with three RBIs. On November 5, Maile elected free agency after rejecting an outright assignment to Triple-A.[25]

Cleveland Guardians

[edit]

Maile signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Guardians on March 14, 2022.[26] Backing up Austin Hedges, Maile hit .221 with three home runs in 76 games.[27] He got his first postseason hit, a single in a 5–1 loss to the New York Yankees in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.[28] The Guardians did not tender Maile a contract for 2023 by the non-tender deadline of November 18, so he became a free agent.[29]

Cincinnati Reds

[edit]

On November 20, 2022, Maile signed a one-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds.[30] In 74 games for Cincinnati, he hit .235/.308/.391 with a career-high six home runs and 25 RBI.[31]

On October 19, 2023, Maile re-signed with the Reds on a one-year. $3.5 million contract for the 2024 season.[32] In 53 appearances for Cincinnati, he slashed .178/.268/.252 with two home runs, eight RBI, and two stolen bases. The Reds declined Maile's 2025 option on November 1, 2024, making him a free agent.[33]

Kansas City Royals

[edit]

On February 16, 2025, Maile signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals.[34] He requested and was granted his release by the Royals on March 23, after failing to make the Opening Day roster.[35] On March 25, Maile re-signed with the Royals on a minor league contract.[36] In 12 games for the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers, he hit .286 with one home run and 10 RBI. On May 2, the Royals selected Maile's contract, adding him to their active roster.[37] He hit a home run in his first game with the Royals, a solo shot off Charlie Morton of the Baltimore Orioles on May 4.[38] In three games for Kansas City, Maile went 3-for-8 (.375) with one home run, one RBI, and one walk. On May 19, Maile was designated for assignment by the Royals.[39] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple-A Omaha on May 24.[40] On July 4, the Royals added Maile back to their active roster.[41] He made 25 appearances for Kansas City, batting .244/.346/.356 with one home run, six RBI, and one stolen base.

On February 6, 2026, Maile re-signed with the Royals organization on a minor league contract.[42]

Personal life

[edit]

Maile was married on November 1, 2014, to Paige Maile, née Archinal.[43] His father, Rich Maile, played football at the University of Kentucky and University of Dayton.[44][45] His grandfather Dick Maile was an All-American basketball player for the LSU Tigers and was a late pick in the 1965 NBA draft.[46][47]

Maile's mother is Laurie Maile, and he has two brothers and two sisters.[48] He is the first cousin of Michael Mayer, who is currently is a tight end for the Las Vegas Raiders.[44][49]

Maile played golf and basketball in high school.[48]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Luke Maile

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Luke Maile is an American who has played in (MLB) since 2015, most recently appearing for the in 2025 before becoming a . Born Luke Richard Maile on February 6, 1991, in Edgewood, , he stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and bats and throws right-handed. Maile attended the , where he played for the Wildcats and earned recognition as one of the top collegiate players in the nation, sharing duties at and first base during his tenure. In the 2012 MLB Draft, he was selected by the in the eighth round (272nd overall pick) and signed with the organization, beginning his professional career in the minor leagues. He made his MLB debut on September 1, 2015, with the Rays, appearing in 18 games that season and establishing himself as a defensive specialist behind the plate. Throughout his MLB career, Maile has suited up for six teams: the Rays (2015–2016), Toronto Blue Jays (2017–2019), Milwaukee Brewers (2021), (2022), (2023–2024), and Royals (2025), often serving as a backup valued for his game-calling and handling of pitchers. In 465 career games, he has posted a .209 with 22 home runs and 119 RBIs, including a notable 2025 stint with the Royals where he hit .244 in limited action before electing free agency on November 2, 2025. Known by the "Lukey Barrels," Maile's path highlights his reliability in a competitive role, with contracts reflecting his utility status, such as a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Royals earlier in 2025.

Early life and amateur career

High school

Luke Maile was born on February 6, 1991, in Edgewood, , to parents Rich and Laurie Maile. He has two brothers, Ben and Jack, and two sisters, Abby and Caroline. Maile attended in Park Hills, , graduating in 2009 after enrolling in 2005. There, he participated in , , and . As a catcher for the Covington Catholic baseball team, Maile earned first-team All-State honors in both 2008 and 2009. He was named Player of the Year twice and received the Player of the Year award following his senior season. In 2009, he was selected as . Maile set school records for career (.481), hits (198), doubles (44), triples (13), and home runs (29), owning nearly every offensive category except at-bats, in which he ranked second. During his senior year, he batted .556 with seven home runs. Following his senior season, the Boston Red Sox selected Maile in the 43rd round (1,308th overall) of the 2009 MLB Draft. He chose not to sign with the team, opting instead to attend college and further develop his skills before pursuing a professional career.

College

Maile enrolled at the in 2010, where he played for the under head coach Gary Henderson from 2010 to 2012. As a and , he shared duties behind the plate with Michael Williams, emerging as a vocal leader and strong defender for the team. Over his three seasons, Maile appeared in 139 games, posting a career .295 with 24 home runs and 93 RBIs. His freshman year in 2010 was limited to 26 games with a .200 (7-for-35), 3 home runs, and 6 RBIs, earning him a spot on the SEC Freshman Academic Honor Roll. In 2011, he started 50 of 51 games, batting .282 (50-for-177) with 9 home runs and 36 RBIs, leading the team in homers and ranking as a top prospect in the Perfect Game League. Maile's junior season in 2012 marked a breakout, as the starting he hit .319 (73-for-229) with 12 home runs and 51 RBIs in 62 games, earning All-SEC Second Team honors as a . As a key contributor, Maile helped the Wildcats achieve a then-program-record 45-18 mark, including a berth in the NCAA Lexington Regional, where fell to Kent State in a 21-inning marathon. Following the season, he was selected by the in the eighth round (272nd overall) of the MLB Draft and signed for a $133,200 bonus.

Professional career

Tampa Bay Rays

Maile was selected by the in the eighth round of the 2012 MLB Draft out of the . Following the draft, he was assigned to the rookie-level to begin his professional career. In 2013, Maile advanced to the Short Season-A , where he recorded a .261 over the season. The next year, Maile joined the High-A , batting .250 while receiving recognition for his defensive skills behind the plate. His 2015 campaign was split between High-A , where he hit .278, and Double-A ; across the levels, he showed enhanced plate discipline with a .333 . Maile made his MLB debut with the Rays on September 1, 2015, appearing in 15 games that season and batting .171 with 2 RBIs. In 2016, Maile split time between Triple-A Durham and the majors, appearing in 29 MLB games with a .200 , 3 home runs, and 12 RBIs. On April 2, 2017, the Rays designated Maile for assignment, and he was claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays on April 6, 2017. During his minor league development with the Rays, Maile established himself as a strong defensive , throwing out 35% of attempted base stealers across his assignments.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays claimed Luke Maile off waivers from the on April 6, 2017, providing the team with additional depth. Maile was initially assigned to Triple-A Buffalo before being recalled on April 28, making his Blue Jays debut that night against the Rays, where he went 0-for-3 with a walk. In 2017, Maile appeared in 46 games as a to starting Russell Martin, primarily serving in defensive roles and late-inning substitutions. He batted .146 with 2 s and 7 RBIs over 118 plate appearances, including his first RBI with Toronto on May 18 against the via a solo . Defensively, Maile posted a 34.6% percentage (9 of 26 attempts), contributing to the team's pitching staff stability. Maile's usage peaked in 2018, when he played 68 games and established himself as a reliable reserve with improved offensive output. He hit .248 with 3 home runs and 27 RBIs in 267 plate appearances, including a notable against the Red Sox on May 11. Behind the plate, Maile ranked among the better defensive catchers that year, achieving a 30.2% rate (16 of 53 attempts) and +2 framing runs per metrics. Maile returned for 2019, logging 44 games with a .151 , 2 home runs, and 9 RBIs in 149 plate appearances, continuing his role as a defensive specialist amid a crowded catcher group that included . Eligible for arbitration ahead of the 2020 season, Maile was non-tendered by the Blue Jays on December 2, 2019, entering free agency after three years with the organization.

Pittsburgh Pirates

On December 16, 2019, Maile signed a one-year major league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates worth $900,000, positioning him as a defensive-minded backup catcher drawing from his prior experience in a similar role with the Toronto Blue Jays. Maile's tenure with the Pirates was cut short before the 2020 season began in earnest due to a severe injury sustained during summer camp. On July 18, 2020, he fractured his right index finger in an intrasquad game, requiring season-ending surgery that sidelined him for the entire shortened COVID-19-impacted campaign; he appeared in zero games and recorded no statistics. The Pirates released Maile on October 30, 2020, allowing him to enter free agency after his injury-plagued stint provided no on-field contributions.

Milwaukee Brewers

On December 8, 2020, Maile signed a one-year major league contract with the Brewers worth $825,000, with up to $75,000 in performance bonuses based on games played, positioning him as a backup to primary options and Omar Narváez. This deal followed his missed 2020 season with the due to a fractured right sustained during summer camp, building on his prior experience as a reserve across multiple organizations. Maile made his Brewers debut on April 30, 2021, as a , and went on to appear in 15 games that season, primarily in a reserve role. At the plate, he recorded a .300 (9-for-30) with four doubles, three RBIs, and three walks, though he hit no home runs and struck out seven times in 34 plate appearances. His offensive contributions were modest, reflecting his limited playing time behind a crowded catching group. Defensively, Maile saw action in 12 games behind the plate over 72 1/3 innings, handling 87 chances without an error for a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage. He contributed in low-leverage situations, including throwing out two of five would-be base stealers (40% caught stealing rate), while allowing two passed balls. Following the 2021 season, in which the Brewers finished 95-67 and reached the playoffs, Maile was outrighted to Triple-A Nashville and subsequently elected free agency on November 4, 2021.

Cleveland Guardians

Maile signed a one-year Major League contract with the on March 14, 2022, valued at $900,000. The agreement came after he impressed during , securing a spot on the roster as the backup catcher behind , with serving as the primary option. However, Maile began the season on the 10-day due to a strained left , undergoing a brief rehab assignment with Triple-A Columbus before being activated on April 15. During the 2022 season, Maile appeared in 76 games for the Guardians, primarily as a reserve . He batted .221 with a .301 and .326 , recording 3 home runs and 17 RBIs across 206 plate appearances. Defensively, he earned a career-high rate of 30.2%, gunning down 13 of 43 baserunners attempting to steal. His role emphasized depth behind the plate, providing rest for the primary catchers amid Cleveland's competitive AL Central campaign, where the team advanced to the ALDS. Maile's prior experience as an emergency pitcher from his 2019 debut with the Toronto Blue Jays positioned him as a versatile utility option, though he did not take the mound during his time with the Guardians. Following the season, the Guardians non-tendered Maile on November 18, 2022, electing not to offer a contract for 2023 and thereby making him a free agent.

Cincinnati Reds

Maile signed a one-year, $1.175 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds on November 28, 2022, to serve as the backup catcher to Tyler Stephenson for the 2023 season. In 2023, he appeared in 74 games, batting .235 with 6 home runs and 25 RBIs, marking a career-high in power output while providing steady defense behind the plate. Maile also made four relief pitching appearances for the Reds that year, totaling 4.1 innings pitched with an 16.62 ERA. On October 19, 2023, the Reds re-signed Maile to a one-year, $3 million contract for 2024, with a $3.5 million club option for 2025 that included a $500,000 buyout. The extension highlighted his value as a veteran leader and defensive asset, particularly in working with the team's young pitchers; he caught 20 of Andrew Abbott's 21 starts and several outings for Hunter Greene, contributing to a 31-26 record in his starts. In 2024, Maile played in 53 games, hitting .178 with 2 home runs and 8 RBIs, and added three more relief pitching outings over 3.2 innings with a 14.73 ERA. As a native of Edgewood, , and a graduate of , Maile's tenure represented a to his hometown region, where he was warmly received by fans and the community as a local success story. The excitement was evident from the outset, with supporters celebrating his signing as a return to the team he rooted for as a child. On November 1, 2024, the Reds declined his $3.5 million club option for 2025, making him a .

Kansas City Royals

On February 16, 2025, Maile signed a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals that included an invitation to spring training; he was initially assigned to the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers. Maile received a call-up to the majors on May 2, 2025, to provide depth behind the plate amid Salvador Perez's hip soreness. In 25 games that season, he recorded 45 at-bats with a .244 batting average, 1 home run, 6 RBIs, 1 stolen base, and a .702 OPS. His lone home run came on May 5 against the Minnesota Twins in what marked his first game appearance with the team. In one pitching outing during a lopsided game, Maile threw 1 inning, allowing no runs or hits while issuing no walks, thereby preserving his career record of zero walks across 7.1 total . Following his designation for assignment on May 19, 2025, Maile cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Omaha on May 24. He did not appear in any further MLB games that year and elected free agency on November 2, 2025. Maile's brief stint with Kansas City aligned with a career hovering around .209 entering free agency.

Personal life

Maile is the son of Rich and Laurie Maile. He has two brothers, and Jack, and two sisters, and Caroline. His grandfather, Dick Maile, was a college basketball player at who was drafted by the Cincinnati Royals in the . Maile is the first cousin of Michael Mayer, a for the Las Vegas Raiders. Maile married Paige in 2015; she is a mechanical engineer. They have two daughters.

References

  1. https://www.mlb.com/player/luke-maile-571912
  2. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mailelu01.shtml
  3. https://ukathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/player/luke-maile/
  4. https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/player/_/id/18160/luke-maile
  5. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=maile-001luk
  6. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/reds-sign-covington-catholic-s-luke-maile
  7. https://www.larosasmvp.com/mvps/winners/08_33_luke_maile.htm
  8. https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/ex-cats/article269393257.html
  9. https://linknky.com/sports/2023/09/28/from-park-hills-to-the-pros-to-highlight-reels-former-covington-catholic-stars-making-news/
  10. https://www.espn.com/mlb/draft2009/news/story?id=4246340
  11. https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-baseball/article44175909.html
  12. https://ukathletics.com/news/2012/06/05/55aed6a4e4b05936b846a5b7-131467962287421829/
  13. https://www.kentucky.com/sports/college/kentucky-sports/uk-baseball/article44362278.html
  14. https://www.al.com/sports/2012/06/kentucky_loses_to_kent_state_i.html
  15. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/University_of_Kentucky
  16. https://thebaseballcube.com/content/player.asp?ID=147915&view=draft
  17. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/04/blue-jays-to-acquire-luke-maile.html
  18. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=mailelu01&t=b&year=2017
  19. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=mailelu01&t=b&year=2018
  20. https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/catcher-framing?year=2018
  21. https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/blue-jays-tender-matt-shoemaker-non-tender-derek-law/
  22. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1424682/2019/12/02/with-non-tender-deadline-approaching-blue-jays-have-tough-decisions-to-make/
  23. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-pirates-sign-catcher-luke-maile-to-one-year-contract
  24. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29489868/pirates-luke-maile-10-12-weeks-surgery-broken-finger
  25. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/07/pirates-luke-maile-undergoes-finger-surgery.html
  26. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/12/brewers-sign-luke-maile.html
  27. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2020/12/08/maile-gets-deal-with-brewers-that-pays-825000-in-majors/
  28. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-brewers-sign-catcher-luke-maile
  29. https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/2021-specialpos_c-fielding.shtml
  30. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-guardians-sign-c-luke-maile
  31. https://www.mlb.com/news/reds-sign-luke-maile-to-one-year-deal
  32. https://www.mlb.com/news/luke-maile-resigns-with-reds-for-one-year-deal
  33. https://www.wlwt.com/article/cincinnati-reds-luke-maile-northern-kentucky-covington-catholic-homecoming/43463867
  34. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/35174303/catcher-luke-maile-joins-hometown-reds-1-yr-12m-deal
  35. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5891896/2024/11/01/reds-brent-suter-luke-maile/
  36. https://www.royalsreview.com/2025/2/16/24366992/royals-sign-catcher-luke-maile-to-minor-league-deal
  37. https://www.milb.com/player/luke-maile-571912
  38. https://www.royalsreview.com/2025/5/2/24422623/royals-add-catcher-luke-maile-as-salvador-perez-deals-with-hip-soreness
  39. https://linknky.com/sports/2025/05/05/luke-maile-royals-homerun/
  40. https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/05/royals-designate-luke-maile-for-assignment.html
  41. https://nfc.shgn.com/sporttransactions/baseball/KC/Kansas%20City%20Royals
  42. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/dick-maile-1.html
  43. https://www.mlb.com/news/rays-maile-proud-of-wife-completing-marathon-c160414984
  44. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/luke-maile.html
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