Bold headline: A veteran arm joins the Nationals, aiming to stabilize a young rotation while spring training unfolds.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Washington Nationals have agreed to a one-year contract worth $2.25 million with right-hander Miles Mikolas. The deal includes performance bonuses that could push the total above the base if Mikolas meets several thresholds, providing a flexible path for both player and team as they navigate a retooling rotation.
Under the agreement, Mikolas can earn up to $750,000 in bonuses. The payout structure awards $100,000 for reaching 100 innings or appearing in 30 games, with additional tiers at 110 innings/40 games ($100,000 more), and 120 innings/50 games ($100,000 more). If he reaches 130 innings or 60 appearances, another $200,000 is awarded, and achieving 140 innings or 70 appearances nets $250,000.
The 37-year-old veteran is a two-time All-Star who spent the previous seven seasons with St. Louis. In 2025, he went 8-11 with a 4.84 ERA for the Cardinals, and he is one of only four MLB pitchers to record at least 31 starts in each of the last four seasons. Since 2022, Mikolas has started 130 games, tied for the second-most in the league during that span.
This move comes amid a broader reshaping of the Nationals’ roster. The team traded All-Star starter MacKenzie Gore to Texas earlier this offseason in exchange for five minor leaguers as part of a larger reconstruction effort. With new competition looming in camp, several pitchers are vying for spots in the rotation, including Jake Irvin, Mitchell Parker, Cade Cavalli, Brad Lord, and Foster Griffin.
Josiah Gray, who earned All-Star recognition in 2023, is slated to return from Tommy John surgery and is hoping to be ready for the season opener.
Mikolas’ career numbers add a long track record: 72 wins, 75 losses, a 4.24 ERA across 241 appearances (213 starts) in ten MLB seasons with San Diego (2012–13), Texas (2014), and St. Louis (2018–25). He also spent time playing in Japan from 2015 to 2017 and sat out the pandemic-shortened 2020 season due to injury.
Notably, Mikolas delivered a standout season in 2018, going 18-4 with a 2.83 ERA to lead the NL in wins. Drafted in the seventh round by San Diego in 2009, he also contributed for Team USA in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
In a separate roster note, the Nationals placed left-handed pitcher DJ Herz on the 60-day injured list, part of ongoing adjustments as they shape the 2026 bullpen and rotation.
