These 3 St. Louis Cardinals should receive midseason accolades

Cy Young Award: Miles Mikolas

In a year where the Cardinals have struggled with starting pitching, Miles Mikolas has been a bright spot and the player whose success Cardinals have been trying to recapture by throwing darts at other players who have spent seasons in Asia. Aaron Brooks and, so far, Drew VerHagen haven’t worked out, but Mikolas has provided a steady presence and a chance for the Cardinals to win every fifth day.

Mikolas’ 2.92 ERA in 138.2 innings is second to his All-Star season in 2018, and he possesses a career-low opposing batting average of .222. His strikeout rate is a career-high 19.3%, and he continues to maintain an elite walk percentage. Mikolas leads the Cardinals’ starters in ERA, FIP and WHIP.

His unremarkable 8-8 win-loss record is more an indication of the lack of run support he often receives. While the pitching staff was recently bolstered at the trade deadline, it will be a priority to keep Mikolas healthy for the stretch run so he can pitch meaningful games in October.