A decade on the mound
At 37 years old, the Washington Nationals starting pitcher is now in line to receive up to $220,000 annually if he waits until the age of 62 to begin collecting. This achievement highlights Mikolas' longevity and consistency in the majors, which is no small feat for any player, especially one who has faced several challenges throughout his career.
To celebrate his career milestone, Mikolas made a unique request. He asked for a belt buckle to commemorate the occasion. Nationals TV reporter Alexa Datt highlighted this choice, which shows a preference for a personal and symbolic keepsake rather than a traditional trophy. The decision reflects Mikolas' individuality and how he wants to mark this stage in his journey.
From Japan to Washington
Mikolas left the major leagues after the 2014 season, when the Texas Rangers released him due to an underwhelming 6.44 ERA in 10 starts. However, his career took an unexpected turn when he decided to play in Japan from 2015 to 2017, where he refined his skills and reinvented himself as a solid starting pitcher. He returned to the big leagues in 2018 with the St.
Since then, he has served as a reliable innings eater for his teams. However, his performance in 2026 could raise questions about his future in the majors in 2027, adding a layer of uncertainty to his already storied career.
A secure future
The MLB pension is known for being among the most generous in professional sports. Mikolas, having earned the maximum benefit, is now set for life financially. No other active player has achieved the same level of pension eligibility. This reward is a direct result of his 10 years of service and the 200.2 innings he logged during that time. Despite the security he now enjoys, Mikolas remains hard on himself, a trait that has defined much of his career.