President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak vowed to take the St. Louis Cardinals in a younger direction this season. However, continuing to give starts to 36-year-old Miles Mikolas contradicts that vision, and it’s becoming clear the front office needs to reconsider his role.
Mikolas is in the final year of a three-year, $55.75 million contract that hasn’t worked out as hoped. Mozeliak originally counted on him to bring veteran stability to a shaky rotation, but that plan unraveled as the team’s trajectory shifted. Now that the focus is on developing young talent, Mikolas—who’s carrying a 5.70 ERA—no longer fits into the long-term picture.
With Sonny Gray anchoring the rotation as a committed veteran during this rebuild, and pitchers like Erick Fedde possibly becoming trade assets, the team is clearly leaning into a youth movement. Young pitchers such as Matthew Liberatore and Andre Pallante are getting extended looks. Though they’ve faced challenges, fans are encouraged by their growth—something Mikolas no longer offers.
Steven Matz, in the final year of his contract with the Cardinals, has transitioned between starting and long relief, willingly giving up his rotation spot to make room for pitchers who could be part of the team’s long-term plans.
Miles Mikolas, meanwhile, has struggled in his five starts this season, posting an 0-2 record with a 5.70 ERA over 23.2 innings, along with 13 strikeouts and nine walks — numbers that fall short of expectations for a seasoned veteran. While Matz has embraced a flexible role, Mikolas doesn’t seem headed in the same direction.
Manager Oli Marmol has indicated the team is doing the best it can with the current roster, though a potential option does exist in Triple-A Memphis.
Michael McGreevy, who showed promise in late-season starts last year, was sent back to Memphis for further development instead of joining the 2025 rotation. Through six starts this season, he’s 3-1 with a 4.08 ERA in 28.2 innings, recording 25 strikeouts, seven walks, 13 earned runs, and four homers allowed. While he’s still finding consistency, his clear aim is to earn a permanent role in St. Louis’ rotation.
After a disappointing 2024, Mikolas hoped to bounce back and lead the pitching staff, but he’s fallen short of that goal. As the trade deadline approaches, the Cardinals may need to stop waiting for a turnaround and seriously consider moving on.