St Louis Cardinals do right thing with Adam Wainwright

It was possible that Adam Wainwright would end his career in another uniform. While the St Louis Cardinals had stated their desire to bring one of their ‘legacy players’ back into the fold, talks had not exactly been positive. Other teams were interested in Wainwright, making a return to the Cardinals a tenuous proposition.

Ultimately, the Cardinals did the right thing. Wainwright was brought back on a one year deal worth a reported $8 million, matching his salary from last season.

Adam Wainwright secures St Louis Cardinals legacy

In signing this contract, Wainwright is seemingly assured of retiring as a member of the Cardinals. He will be 40 years old at the end of the season, and it is fair to wonder how much longer he will continue before hanging up the cleats for one last time.

Wainwright has had an excellent career in St Louis. He has posted a 167-98 record with a 3.38 ERA and a 1.225 WHiP, striking out 1830 batters with 591 walks in his 2169.1 innings. A three time All Star, Wainwright led the NL in wins twice while finishing in the top three of the Cy Young vote four times.

After several rough years, he looked like his former self in 2020. He posted a solid 3.15 ERA and a 1.051 WHiP over his 65.2 innings, striking out 54 batters with 15 walks. Even if he cannot replicate that production over a full season, he is a reasonable gamble for a Cardinals team in need of an arm.

The Cardinals still have one more legacy player left to bring back in Yadier Molina. Like Wainwright, he is a player whose career should end wearing the birds on the bat, one of the icons of the Cardinals’ franchise.

At least one of the St Louis Cardinals legacy players will be back. The franchise did right by Adam Wainwright with his new contract.