Longtime Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright hopes to remain in St. Louis, but he’s keeping his options open as he nears a trip to free agency. That could mean returning to his native Georgia, as the Braves have interest in Wainwright and have already contacted him, David O’Brien of The Athletic reports.
This could be a full-circle move for Wainwright, who began his career with the Atlanta organization, even playing under current Braves manager Brian Snitker in Double-A ball. Wainwright never appeared in the majors for the Braves, though, as they traded him to the Cardinals in 2003 in a deal that sent outfielder J.D. Drew to Atlanta.
For St. Louis, the Wainwright acquisition couldn’t have worked out better. Now 39 years old, Wainwright’s a three-time All-Star, a World Series winner and a Cardinals icon who has provided the club 2,169 1/3 innings of 3.38 ERA/3.41 FIP pitching. He’s also third all-time for the team in wins with 167, trailing only Bob Gibson and Jesse Haines. And Wainwright showed this past season that he still has plenty to offer, as he amassed 65 2/3 frames of 3.15 ERA/4.11 FIP ball with 7.4 K/9 and 2.06 BB/9.
The type of production Wainwright put forth in 2020 would be welcome for the Braves, whose rotation dealt with its share of adversity. Mike Soroka and Cole Hamels, whom they were counting on to play major roles, each missed almost the entire season because of injuries; Mike Foltynewicz ended up on the outs; and several other options logged awful numbers over multiple starts.
Going forward, the good news for the Braves is that their rotation doesn’t appear to need a ton of help. While Hamels is a free agent, Soroka’s coming back to join Max Fried and Ian Anderson atop the Braves’ staff. That trio provides the team with an excellent top end of the rotation, and adding someone like Wainwright would give the Braves a more-than-capable No. 4 and a well-respected veteran who would be able to mentor their younger starters.
Would they want Yadi too since those two want to play together?
Wainwright is staying in St Louis.
There is no chance that he is playing anywhere else. He could have had earned more with a different team the last two seasons but instead he stayed with the Cards. He loves the organization. Mozeliak, it’s time to re-sign Wainwright and Yadi. Recently, Mozeliak spoke and he said that he will be discussing a new contract with Yadi and Wainwright.
Yes he would love to play for 1 team, but I would not be surprised if he left and went to a team like Atl. He still lives in Georgia so he would be close to home as well as continue to play for a contender.
Have you convinced yourself yet?
I’m a Cardinals fan and I can acknowledge full well that we’re the only ones that would’ve paid him in 18 and 19
And you’re his agent?
Yeah not sure what other poster is seeing but he was only worth the dreaded old age risk to a team with sentimental values like the Cards. This year is a bit different though as he seems like he can still eat innings and pitch quality ball
He clearly wants to come home to the team who drafted him. You know, where it all started.
Clearly. Since there’s zero evidence here to suggest his actual opinion on that matter, other than his stated preference of remaining in St Louis.
And Brady was staying in NE.
Personally—— (Unfortunately). I think Wainwright and for that matter Yadi, would be stupid to sign any type of contract with the Cardinals!!! They need to get out of St. Louis while the getting is good!!
After reading John Mozeliak’s account of why the Cardinals let Koltan Wong go. Plus Mozeliak’s poor mouthing the Cardinals current finance state,—- I would hate to see Wainwright or Molina sign with the Cardinals!!! As long as Mozeliak & the DeWitt’s have anything to do with improving the Cardinals,—— It will never happen during the Rest of Mo and the DeWitt’s days with the Cardinals!!! Mozeliak & DeWitt have made that clear since they originally dedicated $260 million into Ballpark Village ——- NOT on impact players like they’d done prior to the Village by adding Edmonds, Rolen, Holiday, etc. THOSE DAYS ARE GONE WITH THIS FRONT OFFICE AND OWNERSHIP.
Don’t need him. Plenty of young arms.
Any team with a bunch of young arms is always best when having a veteran presence.
He’s def needed
Wainwright and Molina better retire as cardinals or so help me god I’ll never buy another ticket, or merchandise so long as Dewitt owns the team with MO as his lackey
I never thought Glavine or Smoltz would pitch anywhere else either…
CALL IT!!
To be fair, JD Drew was a monster with ATL
For 1 season then gone. Bad trade
Hindsight yes it was a bad trade! However at the time Wainwright had struggled with elbow and shoulder issues.
I believe he had is first surgery shortly after joining the Cardinals.
It was a bad trade at the time. Wainwright had a growth spurt that threw off his mechanics, and the Braves Front Office lost faith. Braves fans at the time knew it was a mistake. The Braves players had no respect for the brittle Drew. Chipper called him out publicly for benching himself because he didn’t feel well.
Like the cardinals fans knowing that before the season started Trading Arozarena for Liberator was a mistake.
What comes around goes around, but a different GM swung the trade for wainwright then parlayed the remaining salary that would have gone to Drew into Reggie Sanders, and Jeff Supan. Big reason they won in 06. John Mozliak did the exact opposite with Arozarena. Instead of trading a large contract to sign pieces he needed he dump great talent to the rays for a “perfect wave” 2-3 years off. I hope his bet was right but MAN
Many have already forgotten that the key piece of that trade was Jose Martinez. Randy Arozarena was just a throw in.
I’ve read Rays fans on here saying that was not the case.
I didn’t know the Rays had fans? They never went to the games.
Prospects are traded all the time. Every team has a story like this. I bet the Cardinals wouldn’t mind a mulligan on Arozarena.
@salarycapmyth the jury’s still out on that liberatore is a serious prospect. Arozarena is postionless Player and just hits homers in small sample size season.
Aroz hits for a high batting average and OBP so not so much just a home run hitter. Also, I looked up his OF work and it’s completely serviceable. Call it a small sample size if you like but Aroz is looking like a recent regret.
Hey Atlanta got Ray King in that deal too and he was solid for like 2-3 seasons
So was Eli Morero for 1/2 a season. And it wasn’t like Wainwright was the center of the package St Louis received – it was Jason Marquis.
The 30,000 feet view in terms of their careers, Drew = Wainwright.
45 bwar vs 41
The Braves got a total of about 10.6 WAR from that trade, the Cardinals got about 44.3.
Terrible trade.
As a Mets fan, please do this.
It’s nothing to celebrate. Every team has a veteran starter there to be a mentor to the young talent. This would be the Braves version of that. Pretty sure the Mets have a couple as well.
3rd worst record in the National League. You should be worried about the Pirates roster moves. If the Pirates get just a little better, it means a better draft pick for the Mets.q
Lord, after reading all these articles and the majority of the posts, it might seem like the huge riff between owners and players is about to get Mariana Trench big…..
I wonder which players will take the quick cash grab….before the next lockout..
And my Phillies are equally at fault….
Come on Braves, just go after Joe Musgrove. Give the Bucs one of your young catchers and a pitcher and call it a day.
He is worth either Langliers or Contreras. You can have Alex Jackson though.
He isn’t worth them!
Musgrove has some upside, but I think only 2 controllable years left. Both of those we’re hoping will be the C of the future. I’d think we’d value either of them more than what we’d need to be a #4 pitcher, presumably. d’Arnaud is signed only though 2021 – and while they could extend him – he’s not going to be the C of the future.
I could see Contreras being top-100 the next list (looked great in his cup of coffee in the 2020 season) and Shea was on it the previous list.
I don’t know that the Braves would do it. They have Langeliers which I think they believe in more than Contreras but one of those two will be the future of Atlanta catching and the other night end up being the back up. Obviously the Braves wouldn’t hesitate to trade a back up catcher but they might not be certain which is which yet.
Now that the Braves have gotten a little bit of promise concerning Anderson, I can’t see him going anywhere. There’s Kyle Wright but then just how interested would the bucks be after his 2020?
I don’t know. I would love to see Musgrove in an Atlanta tomahawk. The pieces for the trade are there. If I weren’t at work I would get more into this.
Nah Braves don’t need Musgrove.
As a Cardinals fan and especially an Adam Wainwright fan, I would be heartbroken to see him leave St. Louis
This should be illegal.
He was color commentator (for the first time) opposite AJ Pierzynski in TEX for one of the ATL playoff series (vs. MIA, I believe) — and he mentioned a fondness and admiration from ATL, voicing how most of his friends are still Braves fans (while still his fans) and Snitker – who was his MiLB manager before being traded. Take that with a grain of salt, but it was just interesting hearing him speak as a free agent, while being a franchise cornerstone for another team.
That’s interesting. I didn’t watch most of that series, and I completely missed that. I hope he gets to thrive on a playoff team for what would probably be his last season, but it would seem very odd seeing him leave St. Louis.
Yeah, I had it on while working and it’s was surprisingly entertaining combo of Pierzynski/Wainwright – who both acknowledged how different they were. Wainwright was a breath of fresh air admitting how he kept having to remind himself to say something during the broadcast, getting caught up with being a fan and enjoying watching Braves/Marlins play. It would be odd seeing him outside of STL. I hope we don’t have to see Yadi in another uni. Was always weird seeing Glavine in a Mets uni, Maddux in SD/LAD uni, etc.
That’s like the rumors at the trade deadline in 2018 saying that Adrian Beltre could be traded to Atlanta. I was like… no… that’s just wrong. I could’ve lived with it, but it wouldn’t’ve looked right.
Didn’t watch but didn’t he drop a line about teammates being flat-earthers?
LOL – yes, he did. I forgot who he mentioned by name. I think they were jokingly suggesting Carlos Martinez – not sure if they were serious.
Paul Dejong.
Braves need pitchers that have the stuff to get a lineup like the Dodgers out. Wainwright is not that
Well, there’s few that could get out LAD. He looked good in 2020, albeit to only Central division opponents. ATL has always valued vet leadership in the rotation/clubhouse — and everyone loves a story that comes full-circle.
It’s only a good story if he pitches well. He’s taking up valuable money and space if he doesn’t (just like Hameln this year), which is likely considering how old he is.
I don’t know the figures, but based on AA’s history — he doesn’t pay rich for good stories. They obviously see something there. And considering ATL has been a nice place to rebuild value (Hamels notwithstanding), I wouldn’t start doubting them now. Wainwright had a better 2020 than Charlie Morton (who just became a free agent), making one-third what Morton did. And considering ATL’s defense, he could have better numbers.
This was not a normal year. Wainwright got to pitch against NL Central offenses mostly. He significantly outperformed his FIP and got lit up by San Diego in the WC series game. He’s old and not worth the roster space.
@Fred – second post you’re mentioning he’s old. I get it, it’s the tail-end of his career, but he’s still producing. His FiP was about in line with his previous years, while his ERA was a run lower. He induces soft contact and doesn’t allow a lot of HRs, much like Fried, Soroka, Anderson (small sample). Obviously, ATL is taking that approach. It worked on LAD when they could keep the ball down. Unfortunately, the ball kept getting up in the zone – where Bellinger/Muncy were killing it.
@RunDMC you are always very level headed and non-argumentative which can be appreciated!….but at what point can we all (myself included) be realistic about what the Braves will do?! Adam Wainwright is right up their alley which is quite sad for a contender 1 game away from the world series
Thanks for the comment. Who knows? AA in a weird offseason with a team that won’t comment on their payrolls…if you could guess where they’re going, you may be fit to lead a country.
FWIW, AA has shown recently that he likes to hit the ground running and at least in the last 2 years, sign guys quickly in free agency. Maybe there’s something to his strategy of getting the guys he wants, then filling in remaining needs with value picks (which they’ve done well with). But, who knows how this will shake out. With Kluber, Morton, etc. available, seems like there’ll be some options for a vet.
Headline from 2035: Cardinals Interested in Randy Arozorena
Wainwright is gone people and hold tight for Molina getting passed up as well. Every payroll opportunity the Cardinals can cut is getting cut. It’s not just the Cardinals here, there are several teams looking to shed payroll, not picking up options, etc…
You know the offseason has begun when the Braves once again being cheap and going against everything they said before.
They always try to get that veteran presence when they have a young rotation. When you can get an effective pitcher on the cheap, why wouldn’t you?
As much as I’ve loved both Wainwright and Molina, the farewell tours are about two years past due. If you want to play, sign with the Cardinals. It’s obvious the Cardinals are cutting payroll, so if you want money, go somewhere else.
I think the tougher pill for Cardinals fans to swallow here is that Wainwright and Molina are not performing as they once did. The broken piece of the baseball model is that teams will pay based on a players previous performance versus what that player will produce later? Some teams avoid this and other’s don’t.
Can you still hear the collective sigh of relief from the Cardinals front office when Pujols decided to sign with the Angels?
Braves offseason should be as follows and can be done in the Braves cheapskate 3 year cap window: Trevor Bauer 2 yrs/45 mil; Marcel Ozuna 3 yrs/60 mil..another 15-20 million or so on relievers and bench depth
Bauer is aiming for that amount in 1 season. We don’t need Bauer. I’d rather devote some of that to a Freeman extension. We can’t afford to let him go to free agency.
what will most likely happen until proven otherwise:…Adam Waiwright for 1yr/12mil, another 1yr/DH bat from some player i can’t imagine atm….O’day, Greene and Melancon all walk without a legit contract offer
I’d predict Joc Pedersen as the platoon partner for Duvall, as a fallback option for Ozuna.
That combo could easily produce 50 HR and 100+ RBIs, albeit with a lousy BA and weak OBP. Still, the combined defense in LF would be light years ahead of Ozuna’s.
Pass on Bauer and his mile high ego but I’d be happy with Ozuna. I think the Braves will let him walk though.
Ozuna isn’t signing for 3/60
whatever the numbers are…resign Ozuna, add Bauer. It’s not a complete roster overhaul or anything…sadly I don’t see it happening was my point
Wainwright needs to retire a Cardinal.
It’s what is good for Wainwright, but not for the Cardinals. I’d rather always do what is best for the team, not the individual.
would rather bring back Charlie Morton on a 1 year deal
Maybe, but Morton seems serious about retiring if being away from his FL home. Would 1 year be worth it for him, especially on a new team/league, but still a shot? I could see him signing for slightly less than what others would pay him the best of both worlds, if he still has an itch.
being away from home, however not that far and maybe 10 or 12 million for whatever season 2021 is. Unless Charlie has enough stashed away why not ?
I know TB is most likely tightening the purse strings, but they don’t have $10-12M for a 1 year deal for Morton considering they’re coming of a WS appearance? If not, gosh. Start a Go Fund Me page for cryin’ out loud.
If the Cardinals are trying to lower their budget, Wainright might be leaving. He would be disappointed as all Cardinal fans would be.
But the one I really wonder about is Yadier Molina. He already complained but there was some kind of conspiracy against him because he didn’t win a gold glove this year.
I’m afraid it’s going to be another Albert Pujols situation. The Cardinals won’t want to give him what he thinks he’s worth. And the fans will resent him because he won’t stay
Yadi had no conspiracy against him. He can look up his own performance in Baseball reference to see he was the 4th best catcher in his own central division. Does he think his caught stealing percentage makes up the gold glove decision? Don’t be afraid that it’s not another Pujols situation. It would be a blessing and it is unfortunate that it is ending this way. If Yadi retired a Cardinal this year, like he should have, he would have already had his statue being built next to Stan Musial’s.
This is a smart move for the Braves assuming the right cost. Fight for that 4th or 5th spot and mentor. Love it. I’d love to see Wainwright end his career in St Louis, but if it’s gonna be anywhere else, it needs to be where it started as a Brave.
The Braves shouldn’t have traded Adam for Nancy. It was a terrible move.
I just don’t see money being a huge issue here. He’s not going to make 15-20m. There won’t be a huge bidding war for him so I figure he’s a good bet to be back with the Cardinals
JD Drew for Wainwright works out to a pretty balanced trade. I didn’t look up the other guys but Bwar is 41 vs 44.
@geg42:
It was a terrible trade for the Braves. Nowhere near balanced.
I didn’t think that other teams could contact free agents yet.
My first thought as well..
Can’t sign until tomorrow.
Braves have starting pitching prospects all over the map. Wainwright? He wouldn’t hurt a rotation, but I question how much help he would be compared to some younger arms. I’m still not ready to throw in the towel on Newcomb or Wright. Wouldn’t be the first pitchers to be late bloomers.
Nice feel good story here. Too bad this isn’t what the Braves need nor is there any reason they should be interested in Wainwright. Sorry to say.
Braves are contenders. They can start acting like it any time now. If they are aiming to acquire a pitcher they need to aim higher in-order to beat the Dodgers and/or Padres next year.
Hoping Braves go get Stroman.
Stroman is the kind of bounce-back candidate with Toronto connections that AA would go after.
I get what you’re saying, but not sure Stroman will be viewed as a bounce-back candidate. He opted out of 2020 due to COVID. He’s only 30 and his last season he had a 137 ERA+. He’s ranked as one of the top 4 or 5 free agents available overall, and the second best starter. I don’t think he’ll come cheaply.
Good lord no !!! He is as like Archer….
As I’m neither a Cardinals or Braves fan, I’m curious if there’s any talk in St. Louis about Wainwright changing anything in his pitching approach. He had a nice ERA, but his FIP was over four and in line with his prior three seasons. His K/9 rate dropped significantly. I haven’t seen any data on his spin rates. Should there be concern that he got a bit lucky in the shortened COVID season, and will regress back to his 2017-19 levels, which is below league average?
He got quite a bit more weak contact (highest since ’17) and his curve and cutter (2 main pitches) were more effective, getting more swing and misses (though his K/9 rate was down). It looks like with a below-avg 4-seam FB, he’s pitching to more contact. Note: his BB/9 walk rate (at 2.1, that’s the lowest since his marvelous 2014 season (3rd in Cy Young voting), when interestingly, his K/9 rate was actually lower than in 2020 at 7.1). It appears he’s not willing to give up the hits, walks that come with the strikeouts and is willing to be more effective in front a decent defense. Ref: baseballsavant.mlb.com/savant-player/adam-wainwrig…
If you take Wano away from Yadi you can add a run or 2 to his ERA . He frames those 80 mph fastballs well
Wainwright and Yadi should both move on. It’s what’s best for themselves and the Cardinals. Wainwright with Braves would have a chance at another WS ring, The Cardinals are so screwed up with giving away Arozarena and trading Ozuna, keeping Carpenter and Carlos. All bad decisions. Not to mention they could have kept Voit and had a player under control for another 3 years at over 25 million a year less with pretty much the same capabilities at production. Imagine a Cardinals lineup of Voit, Wong, Edman at third, an outfield of Arozarena, Ozuna, and bringing Carlson along slowly, then Cardinals would have 25 million more to shop around for a real knocker at SS. How about a Tatis Jr. Then it would make sense to resign Yadi and Wainwright. Now they are better off somewhere with a good ball club and the Cardinals are better off rebuilding from scratch. They need to start all over building around a singular super star. No one player currently should be exempt from trade to completely restructure the team. Expunge all the dead wood.