Cardinals Rumors: St. Louis needs to re-sign Adam Wainwright

The St Louis Cardinals’ rotation would be in shambles without Adam Wainwright. They need to reward him with another contract.

We have written how St. Louis Cardinals legend Yadier Molina has continued to make history as he approaches nearly two decades with the organization. But Adam Wainwright, who has been by Molina’s side through it all, has followed suit — and he did it again Wednesday in a big way.

Wainwright became the first Cardinals player in franchise history to throw a documented Maddux and record a multi-hit performance in the same game, as documented by Jeff Jones of the Belleville News.

The outing, documented beautifully by Ben Remis of Redbird Rants, underscored just how important Wainwright has been to the Cardinals this season and over the past 16 seasons. There were questions whether Wainwright, 39, was going to remain an effective pitcher this season, but he has been their best and most consistent starting pitcher as he now has a 3.27 ERA in 148.2 innings (23 starts).

Yes, the outing came against the Pittsburgh Pirates. I realize that. But it was the strongest argument yet that the Cardinals need to bring back Wainwright for a 17th season. Like last winter, both he and Molina will be free agents and Molina has already stated that contract talks should begin soon. There is no reason the Cardinals shouldn’t do the same with Wainwright, who has said in the past that he wants to play with Molina the rest of his career, whether it be in St. Louis or somewhere else.

The Cardinals cannot possibly let Wainwright leave, not when he has shown the last two seasons (3.15 ERA last year) that he has plenty left in the tank. And considering what it will cost — a one-year deal worth in the $7-8 million range — it should be affordable enough for them to do and have money left elsewhere to upgrade the roster around him.

But the Cardinals *need* Wainwright. Thursday was the latest proof in one of the best careers in franchise history.