MLB Veteran Joins Nationals, Wants to Learn From Rookies

Most veterans join struggling teams to share their wisdom, but Miles Mikolas is flipping the script in Washington. The two-time All-Star pitcher signed with the Nationals this week and immediately told reporters he can't wait to learn from the rookies around him.

Mikolas brings over a decade of big league experience to one of baseball's youngest rotations. He's made more career starts than his five youngest teammates combined and has pitched in two postseasons.

But when asked what wisdom he'd pass down, Mikolas surprised everyone. "I think the exciting part is, maybe I'm not sure because of the way the game has changed," he said, explaining that young pitchers today have incredible new techniques he wants to absorb.

That attitude caught the attention of Nationals manager Blake Butera. "Somebody who has done what he's done could easily come in here and say he's going to be the one teaching everybody," Butera said. "But the fact that one of the first things he said was he's excited to learn from the younger group shows the character we're bringing in."

The respect flows both ways. Team president Paul Toboni believes Mikolas' experience on winning teams will help develop younger players who've never been to the postseason.

Why This Inspires

In a world that often celebrates youth over experience or dismisses older workers as out of touch, Mikolas shows another path forward. His willingness to stay curious after 11 seasons reminds us that true expertise includes knowing there's always more to learn.

The Jupiter, Florida native also gets a bonus with his new job. The Nationals train just a few exits from his home, meaning his four kids won't have to pack up and move across the country.

Sometimes the best teachers are the ones who never stop being students.