Wainwright, 39, was mulling offers from many teams but finally opted to come back to the only organization he’s played in the majors.
Though it arrived in the offseason, Wainwright’s return to St. Louis does not come as a major surprise, according to league sources. He also catcher Yadier Molina gave the Cardinals time to find out their finances, and while Molina stays a free agent, his yield is probably also, sources said.
Wainwright began his big league career with St. Louis in 2005 after being hammered from the Atlanta Braves from the very first round in 2000. He’s got a profession 3.38 ERA in 15 seasons along with a 2.89 career postseason ERA. He’s finished in the top three at Cy Young Award voting four occasions and won the Roberto Clemente Award at 2020.
He is also among the few pitchers who’d rather maintain the designated hitter from the National League.
“I advised Shildty [director Mike Shildt] I am hitting .199 within my profession,” Wainwright said before this offseason. “I want you hit for over .200. I said,’Do not allow me to retire using a .199 average.’ In almost any blowout game simply know that I am currently stretched out and I have probably already struck in the cage”