The Cardinals Should Announce a Mikolas DFA and Promote the Prospects
The St. Louis Cardinals have had a season full of streaks—some promising, most frustrating. After a midseason push that hinted at a playoff run, things have cooled off drastically. Now, with the trade deadline in the rearview mirror and several key relievers shipped out for prospects, the Cardinals are clearly pivoting toward the future. And that future doesn’t include Miles Mikolas. It’s more than apparent the Cardinals need to announce a Mikolas DFA ASAP and get going on that youth movement.
The veteran right-hander is in the final months of his contract, and while the front office reportedly tried to move him, a no-trade clause kept him in St. Louis. The problem? Mikolas continues to deliver subpar outings, and the Cardinals have nothing to gain by running him out there every fifth day. A Mikolas DFA should’ve happened long ago. With postseason hopes all but dashed, it’s time to look at internal options—and two names stand out.
Quinn Mathews is making a serious case for a call-up.
The 24-year-old lefty just delivered a dominant seven-inning, two-hit shutout performance for Triple-A Memphis, racking up nine strikeouts and generating 21 swinging strikes on just 86 pitches. Over his last seven starts, Mathews owns a 2.35 ERA and looks every bit ready for a test at the next level.
If the Cardinals are truly committed to a youth movement, Mathews is the type of arm that deserves a look—not just in spring training, but now, when the games may not matter in the standings but matter immensely for future evaluation.
Another option? Kyle Leahy.
As Thomas Gauvain of Redbird Rants pointed out, Leahy has quietly turned into one of the most reliable arms in the bullpen. After a rocky May and June, Leahy posted a 2.63 ERA in July and has been even better in August. Though he’s not fully stretched out, he could handle 60-pitch outings and serve as an opener or spot starter—a low-risk audition for a potential 2026 rotation spot.
Leahy’s season stats are encouraging: 62 2/3 innings, 48 hits allowed, a WHIP near 1.00, and an ERA under 3.00. While all of those numbers have come in relief, the idea of stretching him into a starting role isn’t far-fetched.
The bottom line? Mikolas DFA and Start the Youth Movement
Whether it’s Quinn Mathews’ breakout or Kyle Leahy’s consistency, the Cardinals have options—and they need to take advantage of them. Mikolas may still be on the roster, but his future in St. Louis isn’t guaranteed. Giving those innings to a pitcher who could be part of the 2026 rotation is the smart move, both for development and evaluation.
This isn’t about saving the 2025 season. It’s about preparing for the next one. Further, the clock is ticking. Let’s get that Mikolas DFA right away and see what the kids can do in that spot.
