The St. Louis Cardinals entered the season with many around baseball expecting them to be sellers this summer as part of a small rebuild. Even with the club heading into MLB games today well above the .500 mark, rival clubs have still been eyeing starters Sonny Gray and Miles Mikolas.
However, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today, neither starter will be moved this summer. While there is significant interest around the league in both starters, Mikolas and Gray have no-trade clauses and reportedly have “no interest” in waiving them.
Read More: Best baseball players ever
- Sonny Gray stats (ESPN): 3.72 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 90-17 K-BB ratio in 84.2 innings pitched
Gray, in his age-35 season, continues to pitch effectively in St. Louis. While his ERA over the last two seasons (3.80) isn’t elite, Gray has posted a 1.12 WHIP over that time with a .239/.284/.403 triple-slash line allowed across 251 innings pitched in a Cardinals uniform.
As of now, Gray will remain with St. Louis for the foreseeable future on a deal paying him $25 million this season and $35 million in 2026. The Cardinals also hold a $30 million club option for him in 2027, with a $9 million buyout.
- Miles Mikolas stats (ESPN): 4.35 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, .711 OPS allowed in 72.1 innings
Mikolas, age 36, seemed like a more realistic trade candidate because he is in a contract year. However, he has proven to be one of the club’s most durable arms. The veteran righty does have a 4.93 ERA in 445.1 innings pitched since Opening Day 2023, but he is pitching better of late. Across his last 12 starts, Mikolas registered a 3.50 ERA in 64.1 innings pitched.
St. Louis will keep both starters, along with third baseman Nolan Arenado. Entering Sunday on a five-game winning streak, the Cardinals are battling the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres for the final wild card spot in the National League.
