Did Adam Wainwright Leave the Cardinals?
The St. Louis Cardinals have been one of the most successful franchises in Major League Baseball for decades, and one of the key players that has helped make them successful is Adam Wainwright. Wainwright has been with the Cardinals since 2005, and in that time he has become one of the most recognizable and beloved players in the organization.
However, in the fall of 2020, rumors began to circulate that Wainwright might be leaving the Cardinals in free agency. This sparked a great deal of speculation from fans and media alike, as to whether or not Wainwright was actually going to leave the Cardinals. In this article, we will take a look at the rumors surrounding Wainwright’s potential departure from St. Louis, and discuss the likelihood of him actually leaving the team.
The Rumors
The rumors surrounding Wainwright’s potential departure began in late October, when it was reported that he had rejected a one-year offer from the Cardinals. This sparked speculation that Wainwright was looking to move on from the team, and that he was looking for a multi-year deal elsewhere. This speculation was further fueled by the fact that Wainwright’s agent had been in contact with several teams, including the New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs.
The rumors continued to swirl throughout the offseason, with Wainwright and his agent staying largely silent on the matter. This led many to believe that the veteran pitcher was indeed looking to move on from the Cardinals.
The Response from the Cardinals
The Cardinals responded to the rumors by stating that they were still interested in bringing Wainwright back for another season. They also stated that they had made a “substantial” offer to the veteran pitcher, and that they were still hoping he would accept it.
Despite the Cardinals’ public statements, there was still a sense that Wainwright was likely to move on from the team. This was further reinforced by the fact that the Cardinals had signed veteran starter Miles Mikolas to a two-year contract in December. This all but confirmed the fact that the team was preparing for life without Wainwright.
The Final Decision
The final decision came in February 2021, when Wainwright officially signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This ended months of speculation and rumors, and confirmed that Wainwright was indeed leaving the Cardinals for the first time in his career.
The move came as a surprise to many, as most had expected Wainwright to return to the Cardinals for one final season. But the veteran pitcher ultimately decided to move on from the organization, citing the Dodgers’ desire to win and the chance to work with their pitching staff as the primary reasons for his decision.
The Impact of Wainwright’s Departure
Wainwright’s departure from the Cardinals will certainly have an impact on the team. He was an integral part of the team’s success over the past 16 seasons, and his presence will be missed in the clubhouse.
That said, the Cardinals do have some options to replace Wainwright. The team signed veteran starter Matt Carpenter to a one-year deal in the offseason, and they also have a number of young pitchers in the farm system who could potentially step into a starting role.
The Future of the Cardinals
Despite the loss of Wainwright, the future of the Cardinals remains bright. The team is coming off a successful 2020 season and they have a young, talented core of players who should keep them competitive in the years to come.
The team also has a deep farm system, which should provide them with the talent needed to compete in the future. The Cardinals also have a strong group of veteran players, such as Yadier Molina, Paul Goldschmidt, and Dexter Fowler, who should provide leadership and stability for the team for years to come.
Will Wainwright be Missed?
While the Cardinals will certainly miss Wainwright’s presence in the clubhouse, the impact of his departure may not be felt as strongly as many believe. The team has a number of viable options to replace him in the starting rotation, and they also have a strong core of veteran players who should keep the team competitive.
That said, Wainwright will certainly be missed by the team and the fans. He was an integral part of the team’s success over the past 16 seasons, and his presence in the clubhouse was invaluable. Wainwright was a leader, both on and off the field, and his absence will certainly be felt.
The Legacy of Wainwright in St. Louis
Despite the fact that Wainwright is leaving the Cardinals, his legacy in St. Louis will never be forgotten. He was one of the most successful pitchers in team history, and he was also one of the most beloved players ever to suit up in a Cardinals uniform.
Wainwright’s contributions to the Cardinals will be remembered for years to come, and his impact on the organization will be felt for generations. He was a leader and a mentor to many of the younger players, and he will always be remembered as a true St. Louis Cardinal.
The Future of Adam Wainwright
As for Wainwright, his future looks bright. He is joining a Dodgers team that is loaded with talent and he should fit in nicely with the team’s veteran core.
He will also be reunited with former Cardinals manager Mike Matheny, who is now the bench coach for the Dodgers. This should provide Wainwright with a familiar face in the clubhouse, and it should also help him to transition to his new team.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rumors that Adam Wainwright was leaving the Cardinals were true, and he officially signed with the Dodgers in February 2021. His departure from St. Louis will certainly have an impact on the team, but they do have viable options to replace him in the starting rotation.
Wainwright will always be remembered in St. Louis for his contributions to the organization, and his legacy will live on for years to come. As for his future, he will join a talented Dodgers team and he should be able to have a successful season in Los Angeles.
FAQs
Q. Why did Adam Wainwright leave the Cardinals?
A. Wainwright left the Cardinals in free agency, citing the Dodgers’ desire to win and the chance to work with their pitching staff as the primary reasons for his decision.
Q. Who will replace Adam Wainwright in the Cardinals rotation?
A. The Cardinals have signed veteran starter Matt Carpenter to a one-year deal in the offseason, and they also have a number of young pitchers in the farm system who could potentially step into a starting role.
Q. What was Adam Wainwright’s legacy in St. Louis?
A. Wainwright’s legacy in St. Louis will never be forgotten. He was one of the most successful pitchers in team history, and he was also one of the most beloved players ever to suit up in a Cardinals uniform. He was a leader and a mentor to many of the younger players, and he will always be remembered as a true St. Louis Cardinal.