The St. Louis Cardinals are currently facing mounting pressure to “cut ties” with veteran starting pitcher Miles Mikolas before the season wraps up. Coverage from multiple outlets—including Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, BVM Sports, and Sporting News—converges on the belief that circumstances have rendered Mikolas more of a hindrance than a help to the organization’s evolving direction.
Mikolas, a two-time All-Star (2018, 2022), is in the final year of a sizable contract—reportedly valued around $55 million—and his performance has notably declined: a 4.78 ERA in 2023, a higher 5.35 ERA in 2024, and hovering around 5.17 in the 2025 campaign.
Several analysts specifically call on the Cardinals to designate Mikolas for assignment or waive him, freeing up a rotation spot for young pitching prospects. Quinn Mathews, in particular, has emerged as a highly touted addition to the conversation after posting dominant Triple-A numbers, including a 1.78 ERA and 34 strikeouts over his last five starts.
FanSided’s Zach Pressnell argues that continuing to deploy Mikolas is counterproductive, especially given the team’s 10–12 record in starts he has made versus a 50–47 record with other starters. He also notes Mikolas is not expected to return in 2026, making him a misplaced asset in terms of both performance and future planning.
BVM Sports echoes these sentiments, citing the Cardinals’ underwhelming record (approximately 68–71) and weak attendance as further impetus to shift course. They directly connect Mikolas’s poor performance metrics—his elevated ERA, win–loss record, and WHIP—to a pressing need for change and rebuilding.
Newsweek highlights that the Cardinals have already moved other veterans on expiring deals and that Mikolas may be next. Zachary Rotman of FanSided sees Mikolas as occupying a slot that could be better utilized by a future-facing arm like Mathews, calling continued reliance on Mikolas “ruthless” in its necessity.
All these calls frame the decision as one for long-term strategy—removing Mikolas would serve the dual purpose of signaling a commitment to youth and efficiency, while also granting playing time to the up-and-coming arms seen as the Cardinals’ future core.
