Veteran stalwart of the Cardinals has reached a critical point with the team
In the heart of the 2025 Major League Baseball season, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Miles Mikolas has delivered some impressive individual performances, such as taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning in a recent game and tallying a quality start with six innings of two-run ball and five strikeouts [1][3][4]. However, his overall season statistics show a mixed performance, with a 6-9 win-loss record and a relatively high 4.97 ERA through 23 outings, along with a 1.28 WHIP and a 79:25 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 117.2 innings pitched [2][4].
This inconsistency is evident as Mikolas has pitched well in some outings but struggled in others. For instance, in his game against the Cubs in July, he surrendered six earned runs [5]. The Cardinals, currently just a game below .500, are undergoing a rebuild, and Mikolas' performance may influence the team's decisions regarding his contract.
Mikolas, a seasoned veteran with MLB experience over 10 seasons, including time with the Cardinals, Padres, and Rangers [2], has been a staple in St. Louis for the last seven years. However, the search results do not provide direct details on Mikolas' current contract terms or future options the team might have with him. Likely considerations include his experience and recent performance against the team's pitching needs and budget considerations.
Recent reports suggest that the Cardinals may need to consider a "tankathon" over the next two months if they are not ready to part ways with Mikolas, who has a $17.7 million salary [6]. The team has already made moves to rebuild, trading away three rental relievers and acquiring prospects with varying timelines [7]. Chaim Bloom, expected to take complete control of the Cardinals' front office, has been involved in much of the decision-making process.
Mikolas' latest performance against the Dodgers, where he gave up five earned runs, including three home runs in four of his last seven starts, may indicate his last outing in a Cardinals uniform [1]. Cutting bait on Mikolas is the right move for the Cardinals, as it is a move typically made by smart teams [8]. The sell-off of relievers is a strategic move that could help the team focus on rebuilding and preparing for the future.
Sources:
- ESPN - Mikolas gives up five earned runs against Dodgers
- MLB.com - Mikolas' career stats
- MLB.com - Mikolas takes no-hitter into sixth inning
- Baseball Savant - Mikolas' 2025 season statistics
- MLB.com - Mikolas surrenders six earned runs against Cubs
- St. Louis Post-Dispatch - The Cardinals may need to consider a "tankathon"
- MLB Trade Rumors - Cardinals trade away three rental relievers
- The Athletic - Selling off relievers is a smart move
Despite his impressive individual performances in the 2025 Major League Baseball season, such as taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning and tallying a quality start, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Miles Mikolas' overall season statistics show a mixed performance, with a high 4.97 ERA and a 6-9 win-loss record.
The Cardinals, undergoing a rebuild, may need to consider a "tankathon" over the next two months if they are not ready to part ways with Mikolas, who has a high salary of $17.7 million.
