With the MLB trade deadline approaching, the St. Louis Cardinals are considering adjustments to their pitching staff, which includes potential trades involving key players like Miles Mikolas, Erick Fedde, and Steven Matz. The Cardinals face a choice between strengthening their roster or letting some pitchers move on as they look toward future seasons.
Among interested teams, the New York Yankees have emerged as potential suitors, particularly due to their pitching challenges this season, including losing Clarke Schmidt to a season-ending injury. MLB insider Nate Hagerty highlights the possibility of a beneficial trade between the Cardinals and Yankees, offering the latter an opportunity to reinforce their rotation.
Yankees’ Options: Sonny Gray, Miles Mikolas, or Steven Matz
Hagerty reports that if the Yankees cannot finalize a trade for Sonny Gray, they may turn their attention to Cardinals starters Miles Mikolas or Steven Matz, both set to become free agents at the end of this season. Mikolas and Matz present viable temporary solutions for the Yankees as they try to maintain competitiveness despite injuries.
Miles Mikolas’ Struggles and No-Trade Clause Complicate Trade Prospects
Pitcher Miles Mikolas, at 36 years old, is experiencing a difficult campaign, compiling a 4.94 ERA over 18 starts and a 5-4 win-loss record. His season has been inconsistent, notably surrendering six home runs in a single game against the Chicago Cubs. Despite these setbacks, Mikolas has amassed 66 strikeouts and keeps a 1.29 WHIP.
However, Mikolas holds a full no-trade clause, granting him the right to veto any trade proposal. While he may be reluctant to leave St. Louis, the chance to join the prominent Yankees franchise could sway his decision to approve a move.
Steven Matz’s Shift to Relief and Its Impact on Trade Value
Steven Matz, previously a dependable starter, has shifted into a relief role this season. He has posted a solid 3.35 ERA with 45 strikeouts across 28 appearances, including two starts. His adaptability has seen him pitch multiple innings in some games, yet the Yankees may hesitate given his diminished role as a starter.
Erick Fedde Presents a Cost-Effective Pitching Depth Option
Erick Fedde, though less emphasized by Hagerty, could be a practical acquisition for the Yankees. Fedde holds a 4.83 ERA with a 3-9 record but has achieved one complete game shutout this year. His contract expires after this season, making him a lower-cost option to bolster the Yankees’ pitching rotation amid injury-related needs.
Considering the Cardinals’ situation and Fedde’s uneven performance, they might be motivated to trade him by the deadline. For the Yankees, Fedde may offer valuable pitching depth during this challenging season, benefitting both franchises.
What the Trade Deadline Could Mean for Both Teams
As the trade deadline draws near, all eyes remain on how the Cardinals will address their pitching roster, especially with players like Mikolas having the ability to block moves. The Yankees’ search for pitching reinforcements is urgent due to injuries and inconsistent performances, increasing the stakes of these trade discussions.
A successful trade involving any of these Cardinals pitchers could significantly reshape the Yankees’ rotation and impact both teams’ futures. Mikolas’ decision, in particular, will be a pivotal factor influencing whether this potential transaction moves forward or stalls.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is Miles Mikolas’ wife?
A. Mikolas’s wife, Lauren Mikolas, is known for her time as a teacher, a UFC ring girl, and a wellness coach. She gained fame in Japan through her lifestyle blog on social media.