After a quiet offseason on the major league front, the Washington Nationals have finally dipped back into the free agent pool-and this time, it’s a name fans will recognize. The club has signed veteran right-hander Miles Mikolas to a one-year deal worth $2.25 million, with incentives that could sweeten the pot if things break right.
For a team that’s spent most of the winter reshaping its organizational depth more than its big-league roster, this move marks just the second major league contract the Nationals have handed out this offseason. The first? Lefty Foster Griffin, who signed earlier and now finds himself part of a retooled rotation picture heading into spring training.
While the Nationals haven’t exactly been aggressive in chasing top-tier free agents, they’ve been anything but idle. The front office has been busy working the margins-rebuilding the upper levels of the minor leagues, revamping coaching staffs throughout the farm system, and staying active on the waiver wire and trade market. Notable moves include acquiring Harry Ford from the Mariners and Andre Granillo from the Cardinals, while also sending MacKenzie Gore to the Rangers in a deal that could have long-term implications.
But Mikolas is the first real splash in terms of major league experience. Nationals fans have seen plenty of him over the years, and not always in a good way-he’s pitched well against Washington throughout his career. Now, he’ll be wearing the curly W.
At 37, Mikolas brings a wealth of experience and a career that’s seen its fair share of twists. After struggling to find his footing in the big leagues with the Rangers in 2014, he headed to Japan and reinvented himself.
When he returned in 2018 with the Cardinals, he didn’t just make a comeback-he became an All-Star. He repeated that feat in 2022, but the last couple seasons have been tougher.
He’s coming off a year where he posted an 8-11 record with a 4.84 ERA and a 1.318 WHIP.
At this stage, Mikolas likely slots in as a dependable innings-eater-someone who can take the ball every fifth day and help stabilize a young rotation. And if he finds a groove early? Don’t be surprised if he becomes a trade chip come July, especially with contenders always looking for veteran arms down the stretch.
The Nationals’ rotation picture is still very much in flux. Mikolas joins a group that includes Cade Cavalli, Josiah Gray, Jake Irvin, Brad Lord, and Foster Griffin, among others. It’s a mix of youth, potential, and now, a little veteran savvy.
No, this isn’t the blockbuster signing some fans may have dreamed about-Max Scherzer isn’t walking back through that door-but it’s a smart, low-risk move by Paul Toboni and the front office. Mikolas brings leadership, experience, and a chance to eat innings while the Nationals continue their rebuild.
And who knows? If he can recapture some of that All-Star form, this could end up being one of the sneakier signings of the offseason.