It’s been over a month now since the Cardinals signed Miles Mikolas out of Japan. He projects, at the moment, to be the fifth starter in the rotation behind Martinez, Wacha, Weaver, and Wainwright. It is relevant to consider his contract as a glimpse into how the front office currently views its roster, specifically its prospects.
Also about a month ago, Tyler Kinzy discussed the irony of signing Miles Mikolas. Sure, the Cardinals saved money by trading away Mike Leake, but then spent money to acquire Mikolas. What is most important here is not the amount of money saved, but the length of the contracts themselves.