The St. Louis Cardinals have officially announced the signing of veteran pitcher Miles Mikolas to a one-year contract, according to MLB.com reporter Jessica Camerato. This move reunites the Cardinals with a familiar face, as Mikolas has been a key contributor to the team over the past several seasons, solidifying his role as one of the more dependable arms in their pitching rotation. At 37 years old, Mikolas brings a wealth of experience, both in Major League Baseball (MLB) and overseas, along with a track record of success that spans more than a decade in professional baseball.
Mikolas, a seasoned right-handed starter, spent the last seven seasons of his MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals. During the 2025 season, he made a total of 31 starts, demonstrating his durability and consistency as a workhorse for the rotation. Over the course of those appearances, Mikolas compiled a win-loss record of 8-11, reflecting the challenges he faced in a competitive National League landscape. He pitched a total of 156.1 innings, showcasing his ability to go deep into games and provide innings for the team’s pitching staff. Across those innings, he registered an earned run average (ERA) of 4.84 and a walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) of 1.318, indicating that while he had some struggles in limiting baserunners, he still remained an effective and reliable starter. In terms of strikeouts and walks, Mikolas fanned 100 batters while issuing just 37 walks, highlighting his control and command despite the high level of competition he faced throughout the season.
A native of Jupiter, Florida, Mikolas has had a long and varied career, characterized by both domestic and international success. He is widely recognized for his breakout 2018 season, which remains the pinnacle of his professional achievements. That year, Mikolas led the National League with an impressive 18 wins, cementing his status as one of the premier pitchers in the league. His outstanding performance that season earned him a sixth-place finish in the National League Cy Young Award voting, a testament to the dominance and effectiveness he displayed on the mound. The 2018 campaign demonstrated not only his skill as a pitcher but also his ability to elevate his game to an elite level, contributing significantly to his team’s success and earning recognition among baseball’s best.
Mikolas’s career has been marked by a mixture of domestic MLB experience and international stints that have shaped him into a well-rounded and resilient pitcher. Before fully establishing himself in the Major Leagues, he spent several seasons playing in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league with the Yomiuri Giants. From 2015 to 2017, Mikolas competed in Japan, refining his craft and developing a pitching style that would later allow him to excel upon his return to the United States. His time in Japan was instrumental in rebuilding his career, giving him an opportunity to work on his mechanics, expand his repertoire, and gain the confidence needed to succeed at the highest level of baseball. The experience abroad provided him with a unique perspective and helped him adapt to different styles of play, ultimately strengthening his overall approach to pitching in the Major Leagues.
Upon returning to MLB after his successful stint in Japan, Mikolas joined the St. Louis Cardinals and quickly became an integral part of their rotation. Over the course of his tenure with the Cardinals, he has demonstrated remarkable consistency, durability, and leadership. Known for his ability to eat innings and deliver quality starts, Mikolas has served as a stabilizing force within the pitching staff, providing veteran presence and mentorship for younger pitchers. His approach on the mound combines strategic pitching, precise control, and the ability to change speeds effectively, making him a challenging opponent for hitters.
In addition to his accomplishments with the Cardinals, Mikolas has also spent time with other Major League teams, including the San Diego Padres and the Texas Rangers. These experiences have further diversified his professional background, allowing him to adapt to different team cultures and pitching philosophies. Whether with the Padres, Rangers, or Cardinals, Mikolas has consistently demonstrated the ability to contribute meaningfully to his team, whether through dominant outings, veteran leadership, or providing crucial innings to support the bullpen.
Mikolas’s career statistics further illustrate the breadth and consistency of his contributions over the years. Across 241 MLB games, including 213 starts, he has accumulated a win-loss record of 72-75. His career earned run average stands at 4.24, and his career WHIP is 1.216, reflecting his ability to limit baserunners and maintain control over games. In total, Mikolas has pitched 1,252.1 innings in the Major Leagues, providing a substantial body of work that underscores his experience and durability. These numbers are a testament to his longevity and his ability to remain competitive over a decade-long career, even in the face of evolving league trends and competitive pressures.
Mikolas is also a two-time MLB All-Star, a distinction that highlights his recognition among peers, coaches, and fans as one of the elite pitchers during his prime years. Being selected as an All-Star is a reflection of both talent and performance, and Mikolas’s multiple selections serve as a reminder of the high level of play he has maintained throughout his career. His All-Star appearances are emblematic of the respect he has earned within the baseball community and his reputation as a reliable and effective pitcher capable of competing at the highest level.
The one-year deal with the Cardinals represents a continuation of Mikolas’s ongoing relationship with the organization and reflects the team’s confidence in his ability to contribute both on and off the field. By bringing Mikolas back for another season, the Cardinals are reinforcing their rotation with a pitcher who has already proven he can handle the rigors of a full MLB season, contribute to the team’s success, and provide guidance to younger pitchers coming up through the system. His veteran presence will be especially valuable in a clubhouse that blends youthful talent with experienced professionals, as Mikolas can offer insight, mentorship, and stability to help the team navigate the challenges of a long season.
Mikolas’s signing also comes at a time when the Cardinals are aiming to remain competitive in a league that is constantly evolving. With hitters becoming more powerful, analytics-driven strategies influencing game planning, and teams investing heavily in pitching depth, having a seasoned pitcher like Mikolas is a strategic move. His ability to mix pitches effectively, change speeds, and locate the ball precisely will be crucial in facing lineups across the National League and in potential playoff scenarios. The one-year contract gives both Mikolas and the Cardinals flexibility, allowing him to continue contributing at a high level while also giving the team the option to evaluate roster needs in the future.
Looking back on Mikolas’s career, it’s clear that his journey has been characterized by resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to his craft. From his early days in the Minor Leagues to his transformative experience in Japan, and through his successful years with the Cardinals, Mikolas has continuously demonstrated the qualities that define a professional athlete at the highest level. His ability to overcome setbacks, refine his skills, and perform consistently over time serves as an inspiration to younger players and a model for what it takes to sustain a long and successful career in baseball.
Mikolas’s impact extends beyond just the statistics. He has become a respected figure in the clubhouse, known for his work ethic, professionalism, and willingness to mentor younger pitchers. His approach to the game emphasizes preparation, adaptability, and strategic thinking, traits that are invaluable in a sport that requires both physical skill and mental acuity. By maintaining a strong presence both on and off the field, Mikolas contributes to the overall culture and cohesion of the team, helping create an environment where players can thrive and perform at their best.
In conclusion, the St. Louis Cardinals’ decision to re-sign Miles Mikolas to a one-year deal is a move that reinforces the organization’s commitment to stability, experience, and leadership within their pitching staff. Mikolas, at 37 years old, continues to demonstrate his ability to contribute meaningfully at the Major League level, both as a dependable starter and as a veteran mentor. His impressive career, highlighted by a league-leading 18-win season, multiple All-Star selections, and a decade of MLB experience, underscores his value to the team and the league. As the Cardinals look ahead to the upcoming season, Mikolas’s presence will be a key factor in their pursuit of success, providing innings, leadership, and consistency to a rotation aiming to compete at the highest level.
Through his journey from Jupiter, Florida, to Japan, and back to the MLB, Mikolas has shown resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence that few players can match. His career statistics, combined with his leadership and experience, make him an essential part of the Cardinals’ plans for the upcoming season. As fans and analysts alike watch him take the mound once more, Mikolas’s story serves as a reminder of the dedication, talent, and perseverance required to thrive in professional baseball, and why he remains a cherished figure in St. Louis and beyond.
