Cardinals Shut Down Mikolas Reunion Speculation
Despite a thin starting rotation, the Cardinals have reportedly declined to pursue Miles Mikolas. The team said they would get creative with internal options instead. Mikolas has struggled recently with a 5.82 ERA for the Nationals this season.
Mikolas spent eight seasons in St. Louis and earned both of his All-Star selections there, but his production has declined steadily since. His ERA climbed from 5.35 in 2024 to 4.84 in 2025, and he posted a 5.82 mark across 25 appearances with Washington this year before being released. The Cardinals are currently shorthanded while awaiting Andre Pallante's return.
Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that club officials gave a firm "no" when asked about signing Mikolas, indicating they prefer internal solutions. Candidates include left-hander Cooper Hjerpe, prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje, and Josh Fleming, who is currently at Triple-A. Lance McCullers Jr., a 32-year-old former All-Star, was also mentioned as a possible external alternative.
This decision could shape how Cardinals fans perceive the front office's commitment to contention during a thin stretch in the rotation. If internal options falter, the club may face criticism for passing on a familiar veteran, while a successful promotion could bolster confidence in the organization's player development. The story also reflects a broader trend in baseball where teams increasingly favor cost-controlled prospects over established but declining veterans, a shift that affects how fans evaluate roster moves and how players approach their own career longevity.