Mikolas and the Cardinals finalized a four-year, $68 million extension Tuesday that will last through the 2023 season. The announcement of the contract came on the same day veteran starter Adam Wainwright made his first start of spring and last season’s opening day starter, Carlos Martinez, arrived in a sling, unable to throw for another two weeks. Mikolas, 30, has become the ballast in the middle — a 200-inning pitcher last season, a consistent strike-thrower and the constant the Cardinals seek as a wave of young pitchers arrive and are relied on.
“As much as we are focused on today, this is an opportunity for us to think about tomorrow,” said John Mozeliak, president of baseball operations.