The St. Louis Cardinals have a rich set of potential trade prospects as the MLB trade deadline of 2025 looms closer. Among the myriad of choices available for negotiation, one player stands out for a unique reason – not due to his performance on the field but rather the power he holds in his contract. In this intriguing scenario, the spotlight shines on Miles Mikolas – a veteran of the game who is in a position to hold his ground and choose his destiny. Mikolas, it appears, has the reins firmly in his hands with regards to his future in the team.
Interestingly, despite the Cardinals’ considerations around trading options, certain contractual clauses grant Mikolas significant leverage. Specifically, he wields a powerful no-trade clause that is anticipated to play a major role in these decisions. In simple terms, Mikolas can veto any trade propositions regarding his role, a move he is reportedly preparing to make.
The crux of the situation stems from speculation that Mikolas isn’t keen on entertaining offers and is likely to invoke his right of refusal. This comes as an unusual development, casting a superseding shadow on any negotiations the Cardinals may initiate.
The organizational strategy of the Cardinals revolves heavily around their strong pitching rotation. Sometimes, however, there is a necessity to refresh the mix, which often implies parting ways with seasoned players nearing the end of their contracts. Even though Mikolas falls into this category, the unique clause in his agreement poses a challenge for the Cardinals management.
In the face of Mikolas’ expected refusal, the Cardinals’ intentions may well be futile. The unfortunate predicament lies in the fact that Mikolas has recently been facing difficulties on the field. Amid this trending performance, the organization’s plans of negotiation are likely to meet a dead end.
Digging a bit deeper into the heart of the matter, Mikolas’ current season has been riddled with struggles. With a total of 16 starts, he stands with a rather unfavourable record of 4-5 and an ERA (Earned Run Average) of 4.76. On top of that, he holds a negative 0.1 WAR (Wins Above Replacement), indicating his performance has been a bit below-average.
Mikolas’ woes on the mound have translated into relatively weak stats over his 81.1 pitched innings this season. His strikeout count stands at a modest 56. Despite once having achieved the distinction of a two-time Cardinals All-Star, Mikolas is currently navigating through a turbulent phase.
Troublingly, these struggles are not isolated to this season. A deeper excavation of his performance over the last couple of years unveils a series of underperforming seasons. Back in 2023, Mikolas’ ERA was 4.78, while the subsequent year, 2024, saw a further decline to 5.35. His inconsistent form appears to be a recurring pattern.
Regardless of Mikolas’ on-field woes, there is a glimmer of hope. Multiple teams might be interested in acquiring his services. This interest perhaps stems more from his past laurels than his recent outings. However, the specter of his potential refusal to a trade looms large over any such interests.
Mikolas’ position is unequivocal – he’s poised to reject any potential trade that may involve him. It’s a unique situation where the player holds sway over the team’s decisions. Thanks to the no-trade clause in his contract, he can dictate his own future, much to the chagrin of the franchise.
The Cardinals now find themselves in a predicament. Trapped by Mikolas’ contract clause, they seem bound to retain him for the remainder of the year, regardless of the team’s needs or wishes. The ball, metaphorically and legally, is in Mikolas’ court, sealing the Cardinals’ fate for the remainder of the 2025 season.