St. Louis Cardinals have to bring Adam Wainwright back for 2022

The St. Louis Cardinals are already looking to keep one of their legends in the fold for 2022. Yadier Molina has signed a one year extension, essentially guaranteeing that he will retire as a member of the only franchise he has ever known. Given how the Cardinals regard history, it is not a surprise that Molina will be staying.

Molina may not be the only Cardinals’ legend remaining in the fold. Adam Wainwright has indicated that he wants to return for the 2022 campaign as well, and it is difficult to imagine that the Cardinals would break up that pairing.

St. Louis Cardinals should find way to bring Adam Wainwright back in 2022

Wainwright did not seem likely to get to this point. Once one of the top pitchers in the game, he struggled to find his form after tearing his Achillies. He had the worst run of his career from 2016 through 2019, becoming a back of the rotation arm at best.

But that changed in 2020. Wainwright began to look like the pitcher he had once been, although that performance had to be taken with the shortened season caveat. However, he has been even better this season, posting a 2.91 ERA and a 1.034 WHiP over his 176 innings, striking out 159 batters with 43 walks.

It is understandable that the Cardinals would not want to trot Wainwright out strictly for nostalgia purposes. They are looking to find their way back into the postseason and add to their championship total. With the way that Wainwright has performed this season, he could help St. Louis towards that goal.

Bringing Wainwright back could also lead to a perfect moment for the Cardinals. He and Molina could take the diamond as a battery one last time in the Cardinals’ final home game in 2022. Whenever Wainwright comes out of the game, Molina could be taken out as well, allowing the two franchise legends to depart at the same time.

Adam Wainwright wants to pitch in 2022. The St. Louis Cardinals should hand him a one year extension to make that happen.