By Jake Elman | Athlon Sports | April 12, 2025
In a bold move aimed at salvaging their season, the New York Yankees have officially acquired veteran right-handed pitcher Miles Mikolas from the St. Louis Cardinals, sources confirmed early Saturday morning. The deal comes just hours after the Yankees suffered a demoralizing 9–1 loss to the San Francisco Giants—yet another blow in a rough opening stretch plagued by injuries and inconsistency on the mound.
The Yankees, who have already lost ace Gerrit Cole for the season and are still without Luis Gil, made the aggressive play to land Mikolas as concerns over Marcus Stroman’s knee injury reached a boiling point. Stroman exited Friday’s game in the first inning after surrendering five runs, only deepening the club’s rotation crisis.
Mikolas, a two-time All-Star known for his durability and veteran presence, is expected to join the Yankees immediately. The 36-year-old has made at least 30 starts in every full MLB season since 2018 and brings a much-needed stabilizing presence to a rotation reeling with uncertainty. Though his ERA climbed to 5.35 last year, the Yankees are banking on his ability to eat innings and handle the big stage in the Bronx.
In return, the Cardinals will receive a package of prospects, headlined by left-hander Brock Selvidge and infielder Jared Serna. The deal also includes cash considerations to offset Mikolas’ remaining contract, which expires at the end of the 2025 season.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman released a statement shortly after the deal was finalized:
“Our rotation has faced adversity early on, and this move was made to give us the stability and leadership we need moving forward. Miles is a competitor and a proven veteran. We’re excited to bring him into our clubhouse.”
The trade marks the 27th time the Yankees and Cardinals have partnered on a deal, but perhaps the most high-stakes one in recent memory. It also comes as the Yankees attempt to stay afloat in the competitive AL East and contend with growing frustration among fans and media alike.
With Clarke Schmidt nearing a return and Mikolas now in pinstripes, the Yankees hope this reshaped rotation can help them climb out of their early-season slump and reignite their playoff hopes.
