A former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher has officially become a free agent after his current team decided to move on from him. Miles Mikolas, a two-time All-Star who spent seven seasons with the Cardinals, was released by the Washington Nationals on Friday after being designated for assignment earlier in the week.
The move marks another unexpected chapter in the career of a veteran pitcher who spent a significant portion of his MLB career in St. Louis. Mikolas joined the Nationals during the 2026 offseason after becoming a free agent following his long tenure with the Cardinals. Washington signed him to a one-year contract worth $2.25 million on February 11, giving the veteran another opportunity to continue his career in the major leagues.
However, his time in Washington ultimately did not go as planned.
The Nationals designated Mikolas for assignment on August 12, removing him from their 40-man roster and creating uncertainty about his immediate future. Two days later, Washington took the next step by requesting unconditional release waivers on the veteran right-hander. Once the process was completed, Mikolas officially became a free agent.
For Cardinals fans, the development is significant because Mikolas was an important part of the club’s rotation for years.
Mikolas’ St. Louis Legacy
Mikolas originally joined the Cardinals as a free agent in December 2017, signing a two-year contract. His arrival turned out to be one of the more successful moves of his career because he quickly established himself as a dependable member of St. Louis’ starting rotation.
His first season with the Cardinals was particularly impressive.
In 2018, Mikolas went 18-4 with a 2.83 ERA across 32 starts. His 18 victories tied for the National League lead, and his performance earned him his first All-Star selection. He also finished sixth in National League Cy Young Award voting that season.
That breakout campaign helped convince St. Louis that Mikolas could be a long-term piece of the rotation. In February 2019, the Cardinals rewarded him with a four-year, $68 million extension.
Although injuries and inconsistent performances later became part of his story, Mikolas remained a regular member of the Cardinals’ rotation. He returned to the All-Star Game in 2022 after replacing Corbin Burnes on the National League roster.
Mikolas also demonstrated remarkable durability during portions of his Cardinals tenure. In 2023, for example, he made 35 starts and threw more than 200 innings despite recording a 4.78 ERA. The following year continued to show his importance to the rotation, even as his overall numbers became less dominant than they were during his early years in St. Louis.
His final seasons with the Cardinals were more difficult, however. In 2025, Mikolas posted a 4.84 ERA while making 31 starts and throwing 156.1 innings. After the season, he became a free agent and eventually signed with Washington.
A New Opportunity in Washington
The Nationals appeared willing to take a chance on Mikolas because of his experience and extensive MLB résumé.
By the time he arrived in Washington, the right-hander had already accumulated more than a decade of major league service. His career included stops with the San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers before his successful run with St. Louis, as well as a stint with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan.
His time in Japan was particularly important in rebuilding his career. After struggling during his early MLB opportunities, Mikolas pitched three seasons for Yomiuri, compiling a 31-13 record with a 2.18 ERA in 62 starts. That performance helped him earn another opportunity in the majors and ultimately led to his Cardinals contract.
Unfortunately, the Nationals did not get the version of Mikolas that St. Louis had enjoyed during his best seasons.
His 2026 campaign was difficult. He was suspended during the season and spent time away from the Nationals before eventually returning to the club. He was later designated for assignment after making a relief appearance against the Chicago Cubs.
Washington ultimately decided that the veteran no longer fit its plans, leading to his release.
What Comes Next?
Mikolas’ release does not necessarily mean the end of his baseball career.
Now that he is a free agent, the 37-year-old could potentially attract interest from teams looking for experienced pitching depth. His résumé, which includes two All-Star selections, a National League wins title and extensive postseason experience, gives him considerably more major league experience than many pitchers available on the open market.
At the same time, his recent struggles could make it difficult for him to immediately secure another major league opportunity.
There is also the possibility that Mikolas could decide that his playing career has reached its conclusion. After reaching 10 years of MLB service, he has already achieved a milestone that carries major significance for players. Reports surrounding his release have raised the possibility that retirement could be considered, although no definitive decision has been announced.
For the Cardinals, meanwhile, Mikolas’ latest career development serves as another reminder of how quickly the fortunes of veteran players can change.
Not long ago, he was one of the most dependable pitchers in St. Louis and a two-time All-Star. Now, he is searching for another opportunity after being released by Washington.
Whether another MLB organization gives Mikolas one more chance or he chooses to walk away from baseball, his Cardinals tenure remains an important part of his career. His 2018 breakout season, All-Star appearances and years of service in the St. Louis rotation helped establish him as one of the more notable pitchers of the Cardinals’ recent era.
For now, the veteran right-hander is back on the open market, waiting to see whether another team believes he still has something left to offer.
