Heading into the 2023 season, the St. Louis Cardinals had just one starter under contract for 2024, that being left-hander Steven Matz.
That is no longer the case.
According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals have extended veteran right-hander Miles Mikolas through the 2025 season.
The deal is for two years and is worth $40 million.
Mikolas was St. Louis’ best and most consistent starter last season, winning 12 games and posting an ERA of 3.29 in 33 appearances and 32 starts.
On Twitter, Jesse Rogers of ESPN confirmed Goold’s report of the contract extension, revealing the financial terms of the deal, as well as the length.
The Cardinals have agreed to a 2-year, $40 million extension with starter Miles Mikolas, sources tell ESPN@dgoold was first to report an agreement.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) March 24, 2023
Mikolas originally signed with the Cardinals in December of 2017.
But after a strong 2018 season in which he went 18-4 and posted a 2.83 ERA, the Cardinals gave him a four-year extension through the 2023 season.
With his contract set to expire, the Cardinals wanted to make certain to keep their ace around.
Now, both Matz and Mikolas are under contract for 2023.
St. Louis was hoping to extend Mikolas this spring.
Adam Wainwright is set to retire at the end of the season, while both Jordan Montgomery and Jack Flaherty are free agents at the end of the year.
St. Louis may continue to explore extensions with Montgomery and Flaherty.
Fortunately, they have checked one item off of their to-do list for 2023 and won’t have to worry about losing Mikolas in free agency.
Mikolas will more than likely draw the Opening Day start with Wainwright on the shelf thanks to a groin injury.
NEXT: Adam Wainwright Expresses Disappointment Over His Injury
