Fansided

5 moves to make the Cardinals World Series champions

By Miranda Remaklus

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 25: Harrison Bader #48 of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrates after a solo home run in the second inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on September 25, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 25: Harrison Bader #48 of the St. Louis Cardinals celebrates after a solo home run in the second inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on September 25, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 26: Miles Mikolas #39 of the St. Louis Cardinals in action against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the game at PNC Park on August 26, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 26: Miles Mikolas #39 of the St. Louis Cardinals in action against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the game at PNC Park on August 26, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Cardinals rumors: Trade Miles Mikolas

Trading Miles Mikolas for either a fourth or fifth starter and or a bench or designated hitter option would be a bold move for Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak.

Mikolas had an excellent 2018 season going 18-4 in 32 games. He was an innings eating machine going 200.2 innings that season in which he earned an All-Star game appearance and was sixth in NL Cy Young voting. Mikolas declined in 2019, going 9-14 in 32 games in 184 innings. He skipped out on the 2020 season due to injury. In 2021, the decline steepened as Mikolas dealt with issues involving his forearm, thumb, and shoulder. Ultimately, he returned to the rotation going 2-3 in nine games. He threw 44.2 innings, tossing 31 strikeouts.

He’s been incredibly frustrating since that amazing 2018. If the pitcher could be flipped for a player with more upside, the Cardinals should absolutely do it.  Mikolas is in the midst of a four-year deal worth $68 million. He is owed $17 million over the next three seasons. He will be a free agent in 2024.

It would be good to gamble now and trade Mikolas in hopes of getting a good replacement for the team.

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