In a move that's sure to spark debate among baseball fans, the Washington Nationals have signed veteran pitcher Miles Mikolas to a $2.25 million, one-year contract, adding a seasoned arm to their young and evolving starting rotation. But here's where it gets interesting: Mikolas, a 37-year-old two-time All-Star, isn't just any pitcher—he's one of only four major league hurlers to make at least 31 starts in each of the last four seasons. That kind of durability is rare in today's game, and it raises the question: Can Mikolas be the stabilizing force the Nationals need as they rebuild?
Announced on Wednesday, the deal includes up to $750,000 in performance bonuses tied to innings pitched and games started. For instance, Mikolas can earn $100,000 for reaching 100 innings or 30 games, with additional milestones at 110 innings or 40 games, 120 innings or 50 games, and so on, culminating in $250,000 for hitting 140 innings or 70 games. This structure not only rewards Mikolas for his reliability but also aligns his incentives with the team's need for consistent pitching.
Mikolas spent the past seven seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, posting an 8-11 record with a 4.84 ERA in 2025. While those numbers might not jump off the page, his track record of longevity is undeniable. Since 2022, he’s made 130 starts, tied for the second-most in the majors during that span. That kind of consistency is a valuable asset for a Nationals team that traded All-Star starter MacKenzie Gore to Texas last month in exchange for five minor league prospects.
And this is the part most people miss: Mikolas isn’t just a stopgap. He’s a pitcher with a proven ability to eat innings, something the Nationals desperately need as they sort out their rotation in spring training. Young arms like Jake Irvin, Mitchell Parker, Cade Cavalli, Brad Lord, and Foster Griffin are vying for spots, but none have Mikolas’s experience. Meanwhile, Josiah Gray, an All-Star in 2023, is recovering from Tommy John surgery and may not be ready for Opening Day. Mikolas’s presence gives the Nationals a reliable bridge until their younger pitchers develop or Gray returns.
Looking at Mikolas’s career, he’s compiled a 72-75 record with a 4.24 ERA over 241 games (213 starts) across 10 major league seasons with San Diego, Texas, and St. Louis. He also spent three seasons pitching in Japan (2015-17) and sat out the pandemic-shortened 2020 season due to injury. His best year came in 2018, when he went 18-4 with a 2.83 ERA, leading the National League in wins. Drafted by the Padres in the seventh round of the 2009 amateur draft, Mikolas also showcased his skills on the international stage, pitching six strong innings for Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
But here’s the controversial part: Is Mikolas worth the investment at 37? While his durability is impressive, age and recent performance metrics suggest he might not be the dominant force he once was. Critics argue that the Nationals could have allocated resources to younger talent or kept Gore. What do you think? Is this a smart move for a rebuilding team, or are the Nationals banking too much on a veteran past his prime? Let us know in the comments.
In a separate roster move, the Nationals placed left-hander DJ Herz on the 60-day injured list, further highlighting the need for experienced arms like Mikolas. As spring training approaches, all eyes will be on how Mikolas fits into the Nationals’ plans and whether he can help guide this young team toward a brighter future.
