Cardinals look poised to have another veteran farewell season

The St. Louis Cardinals had a tough season of goodbyes in 2022, and they may be gearing up to have another one in 2023.

The St. Louis Cardinals said goodbye to their beloved veterans Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina at the end of the 2022 season. It was difficult for many to accept the endings of such iconic careers, and according to R.J. Anderson and Dayn Perry of CBS Sports, 2023 will bring yet another goodbye for veteran Adam Wainwright.

Wainwright made his MLB debut with the Cardinals in 2005 and has been with them every season since. He announced that 2023 will be his final season, and he’s returning to St. Louis for it.

He told reporters, “I just think it was meant to be for me to come back for one more year. Long story short: yes, this’ll be the last one. Just everybody relax, don’t freak out about it.”

Cardinals fans just can’t seem to get a break. Watching Pujols alone was already bittersweet enough for all MLB fans, and then watching Molina leave too made the wound sting a little bit more.

Facing another season of heartbreak will certainly be difficult, but after Wainwright’s career ends, he’ll undoubtedly be remembered for his accomplishments.

Cardinals veteran Adam Wainwright achieved a lot over his lengthy career

Wainwright has helped the team in the lineup on several occasions, which is something not many pitchers do. He did well in 2017 and earned his only Silver Slugger, alongside two Gold Gloves over his career.

In the 2017 season, he hit .262/.279/.452 for an OPS of .731. Over his entire career on the mound, he produced an ERA of 3.38, batting average against of .250 and WHIP of 1.22. He also played in three All-Star games (2010, 2013 and 2014). He was part of the World Series-winning team in 2006, and his pitching certainly helped the team for nearly two decades.

There’s no surprise he’s retiring, as his career has gone on for 17 seasons so far. However, goodbyes are never easy, especially when there are so many from several beloved players coming at the same time.