ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The St. Louis Cardinals chairman didn't shy away from making his desire clear that he wants Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright back in 2021. Bill DeWitt Jr. spoke to KMOX for our first Countdown to Opening Day Show, which airs Wednesday night at 6 p.m. on KMOX.
He was asked by our Kevin Wheeler and Mike Claiborne about the Cardinals battery mates of 16 years who are free agents together for the first time in their careers.
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"No question we'd like to have them back," DeWitt Jr. says. "And they're free agents so they are 30 teams out there and it's every bit their right to check what the market is like. But we're in discussions with them and we'll just see what develops."
Unfortunately, to make it happen in this crazy year of COVID-19 it will take more than just a mutual desire from all parties to get deals done with both Wainwright and Molina. The Cardinals, like many MLB teams, have already had to cut as much as possible with a huge loss in revenue from no ticket sales in 2020. So bringing back aging veterans just for the sake of nostalgia isn't going to be an option.
On Monday, Wainwright was named the 2020 recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award and he was asked about when he may make a decision on 2021. He did not mention have received offers from St. Louis or other teams MLB teams, but did say he and Molina have recently been texting about their free agent experiences.
It's been reported that the pair have a desire to make their decision together, which could be to either return to St. Louis, go to another organization or possibly, but not likely, retire.
"I don't know if anyone is fielding offers just yet, I think everyone is waiting to see what will happen," Wainwright says. "All I can control is being ready for when that call does come and from whoever it comes from. Then I have a decision to make. What if a bunch of teams call in and they want the old guy's services and St. Louis doesn't?
"Those are all things that I've got to weigh. All I know is I felt pretty good last year and I've got a lot to give."
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The 39-year-old, who was the oldest player in the National League last season, says he's miraculously been "feeling younger" these past two seasons. He's been arguably St. Louis' most reliable starter since 2019, going 19-13 with a 3.91 ERA in 237 innings.
Molina, 38, has generated some interest from teams as he's show he still has some pop in his bat. He hit .265 with 34 home runs and 147 RBI over the last three seasons, which when paired with above-average defense, makes him an interesting option for any team in need of a catcher.
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You can hear the full interview with DeWitt Jr. has well as a conversation with Cardinals manager Mike Shildt and other guest on Wednesday night's show during Sports Open Line on KMOX.
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