Does Mikolas drastically elevate the Nationals’ rotation outlook? No, but he does provide clarity as Cade Cavalli and Jake Irvin look to return to form. Foster Griffin, the first free agent signing of the Paul Toboni era, remains a viable candidate in the rotation while Andrew Alvarez and Mitchell Parker will both use spring training to carve out roles, but the signing provides clarity at a position of weakness ahead of of Opening Day. Coming off Tommy John surgery in July 2024, Josiah Gray will hope to be ready by Opening Day after undergoing surgery. While the fifth spot has a host of players in the mix, Mikolas adds veteran stability to the rotation with hopes of improving on baseball’s worst pitching staff one season ago.
