The Cardinals re-signed veteran starting pitcher Adam Wainwright, 37, to a one year deal on October 12.

In 2018, Wainwright made only eight starts. In those starts he pitched to a 4.46 earned run average with a 2-4 record. His WHIP of 1.46 was the highest mark of his career, excluding his 1.50 mark two years ago. His strikeouts per nine were the highest of his career in 2018, at 8.9. The next highest strikeouts per nine in his career was in his rookie year in 2006, where he he struck out 8.6 batters per nine innings.

“Last year Wainwright showed he has some gas in the tank for a year or two more in the Majors. Health is the only concern,” junior Jacob Justice said.

Health was a major issue for Wainwright in 2018. He was limited to a mere 40.1 innings with lingering elbow issues. His performance was strong to start out the year, but as the season and innings piled on he was forced to go on the disabled list. He returned and made a start against the Padres in San Diego. After the game it was revealed he had more damage in his elbow that was believed at first. He went on the disabled list and did not return until the final month of the season.

“He was very limited because of his elbow issues last year. He tried to push through them, but at the end his age and worn out elbow caught up to him,” junior Britt Schriber said.

Wawinright’s contract has a base salary of $2 million, which can escalate up to ten million based on performance. He will be incentivized based on how many starts he makes, how many relief appearance he makes, if he gets moved to the bullpen, and how many total innings he pitches.

“The contract was a great idea by the Cardinals. He gets to stay and mentor the young players while on a cheap deal that pays him based on how much he contributes,” Junior Ashton Smith said

Wainwright will be entering his fourteenth major league season.