Cardinals could trade struggling starter this offseason, per insider

The St. Louis Cardinals dipped back below the .500 mark on Sunday when they were swept by the Toronto Blue Jays. Now, they head back home for their final homestand of the regular season.

St. Louis is likely to miss the postseason for a second consecutive year, which could prompt some changes. Perhaps they could say goodbye to some familiar faces.

Benjamin Hochman of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch proposed that starter Miles Mikolas could be one of them, as he has struggled this season and could be a trade candidate if St. Louis can get any takers.

Mikolas drew the start for St. Louis on Sunday in their series finale at Rogers Centre. He pitched five innings and allowed two runs. However, despite his improved outing, the veteran right-hander is 8-10 with a 5.49 ERA in 160 2/3 innings of work.

The 36-year-old is under contract for next season, and given his struggles over the past two seasons, it may be hard for the Cardinals to get any takers.

What could happen is that the Cardinals could designate him for assignment and eat the remaining money on his contract before ultimately releasing him. It might be wise for the Cardinals to clear that spot and ultimately give a younger pitcher such as Gordon Graceffo or Michael McGreevy a chance to start down the stretch.

But it is very possible that Mikolas could be gone after this season. It will be interesting to see what the Cardinals decide to do with the struggling right-hander.

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