President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak has emphasized a shift toward youth for the St. Louis Cardinals this season. However, continuing to start 36-year-old pitcher Miles Mikolas runs counter to that strategy, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that management needs to reconsider his role.
Mikolas is in the last year of a three-year, $55.75 million contract that hasn’t paid off. Mozeliak originally hoped Mikolas would bring veteran leadership to a shaky rotation, but as the organization pivots toward rebuilding, that vision has unraveled. With a bloated 5.70 ERA, Mikolas no longer aligns with the team’s priorities, nor is he performing well enough to justify his place on the roster.
Sonny Gray remains the rotation’s anchor, having expressed a desire to stay through the rebuild. Erick Fedde, acquired at last year’s deadline, might become trade material again this season. Younger pitchers like Matthew Liberatore and Andre Pallante are getting extended opportunities—though their results are mixed, fans value watching them develop.
Steven Matz, also in the final year of his deal, has transitioned between starting and relief duties, making way for potential long-term contributors.
So far in 2025, Mikolas has started five games, going 0-2 with a 5.70 ERA over 23.2 innings, recording just 13 strikeouts against nine walks. These numbers are underwhelming for a veteran starter. A shift to a relief role like Matz’s might make sense, but that doesn’t seem to be on the table.
Manager Oli Marmol has emphasized that the team is working with the current roster, but with younger options available in Triple-A Memphis, the Cardinals do have alternatives.
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