ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Two years ago Adam Wainwright was this close to calling it quits, as he's told KMOX in the past. But now it sounds like he's a long way from retirement.
The 38-year-old told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal that he's ready for more after this 2020 season, if or when it begins. He's currently on a one-year contract.
"I’m not done yet. I’ve got more in the tank. That can change on any day. But I’m having way too much fun doing what I’m doing. My wife loves St. Louis. My family loves St. Louis. As long as (the Cardinals) will have me, I’d love to play again next year," Wainwright told The Athletic.
His quote comes about a week after his teammates of more than a decade, Yadier Molina, expressed his willingness to try free agency after his season if the St. Louis Cardinals don't try to resign him. Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said they are currently focused on getting the team on the field for the 2020 season, but will eventually sit down with Molina – the face of the franchise.
Since the postponement of the 2020 season, Wainwright says he's been throwing five days a week with his new teammate, Kwang-hyun Kim. Wainwright says KK's family is still in Korea, so he's been happy to spend as much time with him that's safely possible.
"KK and I are long-tossing out to 300 feet almost. I haven’t been able to do that since probably 2013 or ’14. It doesn’t make any sense, but my arm sense is increasing," Wainwright told The Athletic about his arm strength that's returning.
They also talk about his charitable endeavors over the last two months, which include a $250,000 to Cardinals minor leaguers and partnering with MLB and singer/songwriter Garth Brooks to fight childhood hunger during the pandemic.
You can read the full conversation between Rosenthal and Wainwright on The Athletic.