As the MLB offseason kicks into gear, the Philadelphia Phillies are emerging as a likely landing spot for St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Miles Mikolas, whose $44 million contract through 2025 makes him an intriguing trade option. According to league sources, the Phillies could benefit from Mikolas’s flexibility and experience, positioning the 35-year-old right-hander as a strategic addition to a roster poised for another postseason run.
Mikolas, who has served as both a starter and a swingman for the Cardinals, is known for his ability to log innings and stabilize a rotation—a profile that aligns well with the Phillies’ needs. Philadelphia’s starting rotation struggled with consistency throughout the 2024 season, especially in the latter half, and the team is reportedly looking to bolster its depth. Mikolas, a former All-Star with a 3.98 ERA over six seasons with St. Louis, could be a low-risk option for a Phillies squad aiming for another deep playoff push.
With a career built on command and pitch efficiency, Mikolas brings valuable veteran experience that could benefit younger arms like Ranger Suárez and Christopher Sánchez. His versatility in both starting and relieving roles would provide flexibility for manager Rob Thomson, who could use Mikolas in either capacity based on matchup demands or injury contingencies. Philadelphia’s bullpen saw increased workloads in 2024, highlighting the need for a reliable innings-eater like Mikolas who can ease the burden on relievers.
For the Cardinals, dealing Mikolas may be a practical move as they enter a retooling phase. St. Louis, coming off a disappointing season, has several emerging young pitchers whom they hope to develop in the rotation. Offloading Mikolas’s remaining $44 million could free up valuable payroll space, allowing the Cardinals to focus on acquiring younger talent or addressing other areas of need, like the bullpen.
The Cardinals’ front office has been transparent about its willingness to explore the trade market, and Mikolas’s team-friendly contract makes him an attractive option for potential suitors. The Cardinals also have a history of making deals with Philadelphia, which could streamline negotiations should the two sides show mutual interest in reaching an agreement.
If the Phillies do acquire Mikolas, he would likely slot into the middle of the rotation, offering stability and balance between younger arms and the team’s veteran aces, such as Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. Mikolas’s control-focused style would complement the Phillies’ high-velocity rotation, adding diversity to a lineup that often relies on power pitching. His ability to generate ground balls could also play well with the Phillies’ infield defense, which has shown improvement over recent seasons.
With Philadelphia’s offense continuing to be a strength, the potential addition of a reliable, innings-eating arm like Mikolas could allow the Phillies to maintain their run-scoring momentum without relying as heavily on high-stress bullpen innings. Mikolas’s history of durability—averaging around 180 innings per season—aligns with the Phillies’ need for a consistent presence who can deliver quality starts on a regular basis.
For both the Phillies and Cardinals, a deal involving Mikolas could be mutually beneficial. Philadelphia’s recent postseason runs have reinforced the importance of rotation depth, especially as teams aim to remain competitive through a long and grueling season. Mikolas’s contract, though substantial, is still manageable within Philadelphia’s budget and could be less of a financial burden than pursuing a high-profile free agent.
If the Phillies proceed with acquiring Mikolas, they’d be making a calculated move to shore up a key area of need, increasing their chances for another successful season. And for Mikolas, a change of scenery to a contending team could offer him an opportunity to contribute to a playoff-caliber squad.
With the offseason underway and teams evaluating their options, the Phillies’ interest in Mikolas may soon come to fruition, providing both clubs with an opportunity to advance their respective goals in 2025 and beyond.
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