The St. Louis Cardinals have officially entered rebuilding mode this season, signaling the shift by allowing several veteran pitchers and longtime first baseman Paul Goldschmidt to leave in free agency. Goldschmidt, now thriving with the New York Yankees, is one of several key departures as the team reshapes its roster. On top of that, the Cardinals have actively explored trade options for star third baseman Nolan Arenado, further indicating a full-scale roster reset.
As the rebuild continues, St. Louis is expected to shop several more veterans, including Ryan Helsley, Erick Fedde, Sonny Gray, and Arenado. Each of these players could bring value in return through trades while helping the team shed significant payroll. It’s clear the Cardinals are aiming to build toward the future by retooling the roster and freeing up resources.
However, one player remains a major point of frustration for fans: starting pitcher Miles Mikolas. Despite being the second-highest-paid pitcher on the team with an $18.5 million salary this season, Mikolas has underperformed.
With a -0.1 WAR and an ERA+ of just 88, he hasn’t replicated his standout 2022 season and has mostly been a liability in the rotation.
While Mikolas has managed a few decent starts recently, many believe it’s not enough to justify his continued spot on the roster. There’s a slim chance he could attract trade interest if the Cardinals are willing to absorb part of his salary, and doing so could benefit both parties. Moving him would not only lighten the payroll but also open a rotation spot for one of the organization’s promising young arms.
For a rebuilding team like the Cardinals, giving valuable innings to pitching prospects is critical. By holding onto Mikolas, St. Louis risks stalling the development of future contributors. Cutting ties with the veteran right-hander may be a tough call financially, but it could be the necessary step toward a more productive and forward-looking roster.
