Mikolas Talks Possible Extension at Winter Warm-Up

The Cardinals annual Winter Warm-Up is the first real opportunity of the year for fans and media to interact with the players. Because of that, the first big stories of the year are usually generated at the event. This go round, one of the more interesting headlines is Miles Mikolas’ open acceptance to discussing a contract extension with the Red Birds.

Ideally, if the Cards hope to bring Mikolas back, they will get something done before he hits the open market at the end of the season. That would mean negotiating a contract extension before seasons end, which is something Miles has no issue with doing.

Mikolas On Extension Talks

St. Louis Post Dispatch

Mikolas made it clear that he has no set time-table for when he wants to have a deal done. On the contrary, he said, “I’m not going to be a guy that says, ‘Hey, don’t talk to me after this date or that day.’” He continued, “I’m a pretty easygoing guy. If you want to talk, we can talk.”

Miles also talked about how good of a fit the Spring Training scenario was for him and how that factors in to his decision about staying with the Cards. He made the point that he was from Jupiter, home to the Redbirds during the Spring, saying it was an ideal situation.

As far as what the deal would have to look like to get done, Mikolas didn’t show his hand. He said, “it’s something that the Cardinals and my agency have to work out. If the numbers work . . . it’s absolutely something that could happen.”

His current contract was signed last year, for two-years and $15.5 million. Should he sign a new deal before the beginning of this year, he will almost definitely see a significant raise. If he waits until the season starts, he’s still likely to get a bump in salary, but his performance could altar the amount.

Cardinals Have Shared Interest

At this point, the feelings seem to be mutual between the Cards and Mikolas. Each side would like to find common ground on an extension.

Last year has a lot to do with how the Cardinals feel about Miles. No one could have predicted the season that he was going to have. He pitched beyond the team’s highest expectations, leading the league in wins with an 18-4 record, shut-outs with one, and walks per nine with just 1.3. He also posted a 2.83 ERA, 3.28 FIP, threw 200.2 innings over 32 games, made his first All-Star team and finished sixth in the Cy Young voting.

Aside from that, the Cardinals have some decisions to make concerning their pitching staff beyond this year. It’s unlikely that either Michael Wacha or Adam Wainwright will be back next season, leaving them without a veteran presence on the staff. That’s a role they see Mikolas filling. Although 2019 will be just his third full big league season, he’s been around the game for a long time. His experience combined with his reinvention on the mound make him a clear candidate to lead the soon-to-be very young starting staff over the next several years.

Featured Image by Jeff Roberson of the Associated Press

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