The St. Louis Cardinals: Is it Time to Move on from Miles Mikolas?
The St. Louis Cardinals have been facing a tough decision regarding starting pitcher Miles Mikolas. After a disappointing season in 2020, it may be time for the team to consider moving on from the right-hander. While Mikolas has been a valuable member of the Cardinals’ rotation in the past, his recent performance and injury concerns may make him expendable.
Mikolas, who signed a four-year, $68 million contract with the Cardinals in 2018, had a breakout season in 2019 with a 2.83 ERA and 18 wins. However, he struggled in 2020, posting a 5.50 ERA in just five starts before being shut down with a forearm strain. This injury, along with a previous elbow surgery, raises concerns about his durability and long-term effectiveness.
In addition to his injury concerns, Mikolas’ performance has also been declining. His fastball velocity has dropped, and his strikeout rate has decreased. This could be attributed to his age (32) and the wear and tear of pitching in the major leagues for several years.
The Cardinals have a strong rotation with Jack Flaherty, Adam Wainwright, and Kwang-Hyun Kim, making it easier for them to consider moving on from Mikolas. They also have young pitchers like Alex Reyes and Daniel Ponce de Leon
Cardinals Urged to Cut Ties with Struggling All-Star Pitcher by Season’s End
The St. Louis Cardinals, a team known for their consistent success in the National League, are facing unfamiliar territory this season. With a record of 68-71, they are currently sitting in fourth place in the NL Central, a far cry from their usual spot as playoff contenders. But it’s not just their on-field performance that is causing concern for the franchise.
Attendance Woes Plague the Cardinals
As the Cardinals struggle to improve their on-field product, they are also grappling with issues surrounding attendance at Busch Stadium. In order to remedy this, one writer believes that parting ways with starting pitcher Miles Mikolas could be a step in the right direction.
Time to Move On from Mikolas
According to Redbird Rants’ Stephen Parello, Mikolas is one of three players the Cardinals should consider shopping before the end of the season. Parello argues that by giving opportunities to younger players who are part of the team’s long-term plans, the Cardinals could improve their overall performance.
A Disappointing Season for Mikolas
Parello points out that things haven’t gone as planned for Mikolas since signing a contract extension in 2023. After being named an All-Star in 2018 and 2022, Mikolas has struggled with a high ERA in recent years. This season, he has a 5.04 ERA, a 6-10 record, and a 1.35 WHIP. Despite recording 86 strikeouts, he has also given up 32 walks in 130.1 innings pitched.
Time for a Change
With promising young players like Quinn Mathews waiting in the wings at Triple-A Memphis, Parello argues that it’s time for the Cardinals to cut ties with Mikolas and give him a head start on deciding his future. As the season winds down, it may be the perfect opportunity for the Cardinals to make a change and improve their chances for success in the future.
