Cardinals' three-time All-Star SP Adam Wainwright returning for 18th season

The report of Wainwright's return to the Cardinals comes just over two weeks after longtime teammate Albert Pujols wrapped up his future Hall of Fame career by retiring at the end of the 2022 campaign. Catcher Yadier Molina -- the career-long batterymate of "Waino" -- announced his retirement as well, after a 19-year career that saw him make 10 All-Star games and win nine Gold Glove awards.

In one of the more heartwarming moments of the Cardinals' season, the trio exited the field at Busch Stadium midway through their final regular season home game together in early October.

If Wainwright can stay healthy next season, he should have a good shot at joining the 200-win club. He currently has a 195-117 career record.

Wainwright finished the 2021 campaign with an 11-12 mark and a 3.71 ERA and 1.28 WHIP across 191 2/3 innings pitched covering 32 starts. The 41-year-old has made at least 31 starts in three straight full seasons, excluding the pandemic-altered 2020 season.