Nationals add two-time All-Star to the rotation

Miles Mikolas (39) pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Nationals add two-time All-Star pitcher after trading Mackenzie Gore

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Feb 11, 2026 5:44 PM ET

The Washington Nationals have been relatively quiet this offseason, outside of trading their ace, Mackenzie Gore, to the Texas Rangers, which signaled a further step back for them in 2026.

Lacking depth in the starting rotation after trading Gore, the Nationals decided to spend a little on the free agent market to bring in a quality veteran, right-hander Miles Mikolas. According to MLB.com’s Jessica Camerato, Mikolas has agreed to a one-year deal with the Nationals, which gives them five full starters for their rotation.

Mikolas, 37, has pitched with the St. Louis Cardinals for the last seven seasons since returning from Japan (2018-25) and has two All-Star nominations under his belt (2018 and 2022). Mikolas has been one of the more durable starters since returning, making 30+ starts in six of the seven seasons with the Cardinals.

Nikolas went 8-11 with a 4.84 ERA in 31 starts and struck out 100 batters in 156.1 innings.

Nationals, RHP Miles Mikolas reportedly agree to 1-year deal, per multiple reports including MLB's @JessicaCamerato. pic.twitter.com/pTveckxFGz
— MLB (@MLB) February 11, 2026

Miles Mikolas gives the Nationals more depth in the starting rotation

Ranking 18th in innings pitched last season (832.2), the Nationals needed someone like Mikolas to help fill the 159.2 innings Gore threw last season. Mikolas will join right-handers Jake Irvin (5.70 ERA), Brad Lord (4.34), Cade Cavalli (4.25), and left-hander Foster Griffin (1.52, NPB).

Mikolas will also give the Nationals a solid trade chip at the trade deadline, as starting pitching or a swingman for the bullpen are the most coveted. Lord, Irvin and Cavalli will also gain valuable experience from Mikolas, with Mikolas entering his 11th season as a big league pitcher.

Zachary Cariola

My name is Zachary Cariola and I have been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My areas of expertise are MLB, NBA, and NFL. When I’m not writing, I love spending time with my family and learning history.

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