Nationals Bolster Rotation with Mikolas Signing

New pitcher joins Cavalli as Nats aim to build competitive pitching staff

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Washington Nationals have signed free agent pitcher Miles Mikolas to a one-year, $2.25 million contract, adding him to a rotation that includes top prospect Cade Cavalli. While the Nats' pitching staff remains a work in progress, the Mikolas signing provides some stability and veteran leadership as the team looks to develop its young arms.

Why it matters

The Nationals have struggled with pitching depth in recent seasons, so the addition of Mikolas gives them a reliable innings-eater to pair with the high-upside Cavalli. This move signals the team's intent to be more competitive in 2026 after several losing campaigns.

The details

Mikolas, 33, is coming off a solid 2025 season where he posted a 4.16 ERA in 28 starts for the St. Louis Cardinals. He will likely slot in as the Nationals' number two starter behind Cavalli, who impressed late last year and is primed for a breakout campaign. The Nats also have several other rotation candidates, including Jake Irvin, Brad Lord, Josiah Gray, and waiver claim Ken Waldichuk, creating an open competition for the final spots.

  • The Nationals signed Mikolas to a one-year, $2.25 million contract on February 11, 2026.
  • Cade Cavalli made his MLB debut for the Nationals late in the 2025 season.

The players

Miles Mikolas

A 33-year-old right-handed pitcher who has spent the majority of his MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Cade Cavalli

The Nationals' top pitching prospect, a 2020 first-round draft pick who made his MLB debut late in the 2025 season.

Jake Irvin

A Nationals pitcher who struggled with consistency in 2025, posting a 4.99 ERA as a starter.

Brad Lord

A Nationals pitcher who had more success in a relief role in 2025, posting a 2.79 ERA out of the bullpen.

Josiah Gray

A Nationals pitcher who missed most of the past two seasons due to Tommy John surgery, but had a strong 2023 season.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Nationals will continue to evaluate their pitching options throughout spring training, with the goal of assembling a competitive rotation to support their young core of position players.

The takeaway

The Mikolas signing provides a veteran presence to the Nationals' rotation, but the team still has questions to answer regarding the rest of its pitching staff. The development of Cavalli and the performance of other young arms will be crucial as the Nationals aim to return to contention in the NL East.