Miles Mikolas
Mikolas came to the St. Louis Cardinals last season on a two-year, $15.5 million contract after establishing his reputation in Japan. In three seasons with the Yomiuri Giants, he had gone 31-13, including a 14-8 record and 2.24 ERA in 27 starts during 2017.
For the 30-year-old Florida native, it was a sharp turnaround from his previous big league experience, short, unremarkable stints with the San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers. That experience had led to just a 4-6 record between 2012 and 2014.
Back in the majors with St. Louis, the results were immediate. In his first season, he made 32 starts, running up an 18-4 record and a 2.83 ERA in 200 innings.
He led the National League in winning percentage (.818) and fewest walks per nine innings (1.3), tied for first in wins, ranked fourth in ERA, and sixth in innings pitched. For those accomplishments, he was named to the National League All Star team.
He finished the season especially strong, winning his five September starts and allowing just a 2.11 September ERA. He was 8-1 after the All Star break.
As good as Mikols’ season was, it might have been even more spectacular. In his four defeats, he allowed a total of just seven earned runs.
Although Shildt has not yet named an opening day starter, Mikolas is widely viewed as a likely selectee for the honor.