Cardinals: Another MLB insider believes St. Louis signs Molina, Wainwright

Another MLB insider believes the St. Louis Cardinals will re-sign Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright. But when will they actually sign?

The St. Louis Cardinals’ offseason has been quiet — really quiet. The only rumors seemingly have surrounded Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright, with Joc Pederson being one of the only outside free agents the team has been connected to.

We wrote that MLB insider Bob Nightengale predicted that both Molina and Wainwright would return. Now, former general manager and current MLB insider Jim Bowden is predicting the same.

Wainwright, 38, showed in 2020 that he can still be a dependable option in the rotation. He may not be the same pitcher as he was in his prime, of course, but the Cardinals could do far worse looking to fill their rotation. But with Wainwright still being effective, it is likely his list of suitors will be more extensive than just St. Louis. And with teams missing on Yu Darvish and Blake Snell, they will pivot to fill their rotations — perhaps quickly.

Molina remains the most uncertain to return. It was once considered a lock that he would come back to St. Louis, but talks have been slow to progress and he is drawing strong outside interest. It leaves the the Cardinals in a precarious position with the only internal option being Andrew Knizner. But now, our Matt Graves is wondering if it is in the Cardinals’ best interest for Molina not to return, with the team instead spending their money on other positions.

It is a fair thought considering Molina is seeking a multi-year deal in the range of $10 million per season. Wainwright is seeking a one-year deal, and is believed to be flexible financially as his preferred option is to stay in St. Louis.

Neither player is considered particularly close to signing. But with Darvish and Snell off the board, perhaps talks with both players – and other free agents – pick up as January nears.