St Louis Cardinals Have Two Big Stars Returning To Team For 2023

The St Louis Cardinals season did not end like we had hoped.  If the Phillies end up winning the World Series, perhaps the team will take solace in knowing they lost to the champs.  But at least for next season, they got some good news that two major players from their Division winning team will be returning.

Nolan Arenado, who had the ability to become a free agent in less than two weeks, notified the Cardinals that he will not opt out of his existing contract. He will remain with the team through at least 2027. Arenado’s decision gives the Cardinals one of the best all-around players in the league, an elite dynamo at third base, and a middle-order presence to count on into his mid-30s.

Arenado is a 9-time Gold Glove third baseman and he may walk away with a Silver Slugger Award.  You can read my article about those awards HERE.  You can also click HERE to get an idea about the kind of numbers he put up this past season.

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The Cardinals also got some unexpected news on the pitching front.  With the retirement of Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina, many people expected Adam Wainwright to retire as well.  Not so fast!  2023 will be Wainwright's 18th in the major leagues with the Cardinals, after the team acquired him in a trade with the Braves in 2003.

For his career, Wainwright is 195-117 with a 3.38 ERA in 457 games all with the Cardinals. The 41-year-old is a three-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove winner and won a World Series with the team in 2006. (Wainwright was injured for the team's title run in 2011.)  He went 11-12 last season with an ERA of 3.71.  You can check out the video below from Team President John Mozeliak talking about next season.

Are you excited for next season?  You will be able to hear all the games on our sister station Newstalk 1050 KSIS once again.  If you are a fan, lets hope the team finishes the season with a trip to the World Series.