The Cardinals and Adam Wainwright will go at it again in 2019. Financial details of his one year contract have yet to be disclosed, but who cares… Waino is back.
But where does he fit realistically? Down the stretch he showed that he can still hold value as a starter, but time has shown that it is tough for Waino to stay healthy. He could start the year in the rotation and be a bridge to Alex Reyes… But here is my idea.
Just like Tyson Ross filled this role in 2018, I like Wainwright in the bullpen as a long reliever. Ross excelled in this role, and I think it will be less taxing on Wainwright’s arm for a full season. If the Cardinals want him to start I will not blame them. If they even wanted him to close, I would not blame them. But I think long relief is where Wainwright holds the most value.
I’m glad to see Wainwright return to the Cardinals in 2019 even it is just for his presence and leadership in the clubhouse. I was rooting for him down the stretch this season and I’m happy he gets to keep pitching. Spring Training will likely show us a lot about how Wainwright will be used during the regular season.
Could this move mean the Cardinals will not chase a starter in free agency? Possibly… It just depends how they plan to use Waino moving forward. But either way… I’m excited. I hope this is the first of many moves the Cardinals make this off-season.
What are your thoughts?
Thanks for reading
Aaron M
Follow me on Twitter @AaronArchCity
