Veteran pitcher could soon be replaced in Cards’ starting rotation

Miles Mikolas’ time in the St. Louis Cardinals’ rotation could soon be coming to an end. 

St. Louis, which currently sits fourth in the NL Central at 58-58, traded away the best of its big league bullpen at the deadline and acquired six prospects. With an eye toward the future, the 36-year-old Mikolas’ 5.11 ERA (63 ER in 111.0 IP) through 22 starts this year likely won’t cut it. He is also on an expiring contract. 

Thomas Gauvain of Redbird Rants believes Kyle Leahy—who made his MLB debut in 2023—is the best challenger for Mikolas’ starting spot. 

“Kyle Leahy probably isn’t stretched out enough right now to go five or six innings, but he could easily throw 60 pitches in an outing given sufficient rest,” Gauvain wrote. “He should immediately take Mike Mikolas’ next turn in the rotation to help the Cardinals down the stretch.” 

The 17th-round pick in the 2018 draft wasn’t considered a top prospect, especially after he recorded a 5.68 ERA in his first year of Rookie Ball. But Leahy made three appearances for the Cardinals in 2023, and after sporting a 4.07 ERA last season, he boasts a 2.59 ERA in 45 relief outings this year. 

Mikolas has had a solid career in St. Louis, earning All-Star honors in 2018—when he also led the NL with 18 wins—and 2022. He was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 7th round of the 2009 draft and played overseas from 2015-17 for the Yomiuri Giants of the Nippon Professional Baseball League before heading to St. Louis. 

He holds a 4.24 career ERA with a 70-73 record in MLB.