Details of Adam Wainwright’s one-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals

Details have emerged regarding Adam Wainwright’s one-year, $17.5 million contract with the St. Louis Cardinals.

St. Louis signing Adam Wainwright came as little surprise, as the right-hander was clearly disappointed with the end of his 2022 campaign. But both Wainwright and the Cardinals are optimistic that he has plenty left in the tank.

And it’s reflected in his 2023 contract.

According to a source with knowledge of the contract, Wainwright signed a one-year, $17.5 million contract that includes $10 million deferred. He can earn $500,000 each for 28 and 30 games started with an additional $50,000 each for All-Star, Gold Glove, NLDS MVP, NLCS MVP and World Series MVP while earning $25,000 for Silver Slugger. He can also earn an additional $500,000 for finishing No. 1-10 in NL Cy Young Award voting.

Cardinals: What Adam Wainwright’s contract means

Perhaps the most interesting element is the deferred money. In backloading the contract, it raises the possibility of the Cardinals splurging on a free agent this winter, perhaps Willson Contreras as Yadier Molina’s replacement behind the plate. They could look at a high-priced shortstop in a class that features Trea Turner, Carlos Correa, Dansby Swanson and Xander Bogaerts. They could also look at another starting pitcher with Jose Quintana scheduled to become a free agent.

St. Louis seemingly have endless possibilities, and Wainwright’s contract gives the front office led by John Mozeliak the flexibility to pursue them.