Cardinals' starting pitcher emerges as trade candidate amid losing skid

The St. Louis Cardinals have lost seven of their last eight games, which has put the team's plans for this season in flux. The Cardinals are slowly starting to fall out of the playoff race, sitting seven games back in the National League Central and three games back of the last wild card. 

Miles Mikolas has been with the Cardinals since 2018. He began his MLB career in 2012, but made a career-altering move when he signed with the Yomiuri Giants before the 2015 season. He pitched for three seasons in Japan, compiling a 31-13 record with a 2.18 ERA. 

The performance in Japan did enough to earn him a two-year contract with the Cardinals. He instantly became a star in St. Louis, owning an 18-4 record and a 2.83 ERA in his first season back in the big leagues. It also earned him a four-year extension. 

Mikolas has been regressing in recent years after signing a two-year extension before the 2023 season. With the deal expiring at the end of this year, the Cardinals could look to cash in and give him a fresh start with another franchise. If the Cardinals continue to fall out of the playoff race, Mikolas could become one of the most sought-after deadline acquisitions. 

Mikolas is the type of pitcher who can bring significant value to a contending team. Considering his regression, it might not be possible for him to steal a rotation spot for a playoff team. However, if that team could use him as a starter through the end of the regular season and then add him as bullpen insurance in the postseason, it'd be a worthwhile venture. 

The Cardinals shouldn't expect too much of a return for the veteran pitcher, but clearing his salary off the books would be the motivating factor.