photo: Adam Wainwright via Zoom (Brian Walton/The Cardinal Nation)
On Wednesday, Adam Wainwright confirmed what was expected – the 41-year-old will return to the St. Louis Cardinals for a 18th and final MLB season in 2023. Earlier in the day, President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak confirmed the club came to terms with the right-hander on a one-year contract. The amount is not yet known.
When asked in a Wednesday media Zoom session if 2023 will be his final season, Wainwright confirmed it.
“I could tell you yes, but then there’s a whole lot of hoopla you’ve gotta’ go through,” Wainwright said. “Long story short: yes, this’ll be the last one. Just everybody relax – don’t freak out about it.”
Among active MLB pitchers, Wainwright is first in complete games (28) and second in shutouts (11). He ranks fifth in starts (390), quality starts (242), wins (195) and innings pitched (2567 1/3).
Among Cardinals all-time, Wainwright is second in quality starts, strikeouts (2147) and 10+ win seasons (12). He is third in starts, wins and 10+ strikeout games (13).
Wainwright noted that his goal is to reach 210 career wins – meaning 15 in his final MLB campaign.
On paper, the Cardinals’ 2023 rotation currently numbers six – Wainwright, Jack Flaherty, Steven Matz, Miles Mikolas, Jordan Montgomery and Dakota Hudson. Even so, Mozeliak said he is looking to add depth at the position during the upcoming off-season.
Bonus for members of The Cardinal Nation
On Closeout – 2022 Prospect Guide
The Cardinal Nation 2022 Prospect Guide is back for a fifth year. It includes 276 pages of in-depth commentary about the very best St. Louis Cardinals minor leaguers, including dozens of color photos. Order your PDF or printed book copy today! The latter is now 20% off.
Not yet a member?
Join The Cardinal Nation for the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system.
© 2022 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.