Adam Wainwright Reveals When He Will Retire
St. Louis Cardinals fans finally got some good news on Wednesday.
Starting pitcher Adam Wainwright will come back next season, the team announced.
The news qualifies as major, especially after losing Yadier Molina, Albert Pujols, and several coaches.
The 41-year-old Wainwright is one of the iconic players on the Cards’ current roster, having been an important part in the 2006 title as a reliever.
After confirming his presence for next year, Wainwright also revealed when he will be retiring.
“Adam Wainwright signed a one-year contract extension with the @Cardinals and announced his plan to retire after 2023, per @katiejwoo,” Fox Sports MLB tweeted.
Adam Wainwright signed a one-year contract extension with the @Cardinals and announced his plan to retire after 2023, per @katiejwoo. pic.twitter.com/UgJpvOUyB4
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 26, 2022
That’s right: next year will be Wainwright’s farewell tour, just like the 2022 season was one for Pujols and Molina.
Fortunately, the Cardinals have the right structure in place to compete next year and, hopefully, giving Wainwright the chance to say goodbye in a competitive environment.
He Can Still Contribute In An MLB Rotation
His presence on the roster goes well beyond loyalty, though: he remains a highly effective Major League pitcher.
With a 3.71 ERA in 191.2 innings, he was excellent.
A knee injury affected him near the end of the season, so his numbers could have been way better.
He gives the Cardinals a reliable mid-rotation starter as they will try to retain their NL Central title next year.
Wainwright has had a marvelous career to this point, but will surely love to make another run at the World Series.
He has made three All-Star teams (2010, 2013, 2014), is a World Series champion (2006), and has won two Gold Glove awards (2009, 2013), a Silver Slugger award (2017), the Roberto Clemente award (2020) and paced the National League in wins two times (2009, 2013).
He is a future member of the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame.