Does Adam Wainwright plan to retire after the 2023 MLB season? St. Louis Cardinals' legend's career plans explored

It was almost a storybook season for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022 as club legends Adam Wainwright, Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina were reunited and looked primed for a deep postseason run. However, not all stories have happy endings.

Following the 2022 season, the Cardinals said goodbye to both Pujols and Molina, however, Wainwright announced that he would return for the 2023 season, but it would be the last. Wainwright will return to the Cardinals for his 19th MLB season with the club, as he continues to chase his 200th career win.

"Baseball will be losing another all time great this upcoming season. Miguel Cabrera will join Adam Wainwright in retirement" - Janelle Dunn

At 41 years old, Adam Wainwright's statistics suggest no signs of slowing down. During the 2022 regular season, 'Waino' finished with a record of 11-12 and 3.71 ERA in 191.2 innings, while also racking up 143 strikeouts.

Wainwright will help the St. Louis Cardinals attempt to win the World Series for the first time since 2011. The Cardinals looked like one of the best teams in the National League throughout the 2022 regular season, finishing with a record of 93-69, winning the NL Central Division in the process.

While the Cardinals were one of the strongest teams last season, they ultimately fell to the Philadelphia Phillies in the Wild Card Round. After an impressive regular season, the team and fans were left with a bitter taste in their mouths.

"The #Braves will face the Phillies in the NLDS with Game 1 on Tuesday at Truist Park. Philadelphia vanquished the St. Louis Cardinals in two games to win the Wild Card Series." - Grant McAuley

While the veteran pitcher is working toward his final season in the MLB, he will also be pitching for Team USA during the World Baseball Classic. Manager Mark DeRosa announced that Adam Wainwright will start the first game of the tournament for the Americans against Great Britain. The veteran is simply enjoying everything baseball can offer before he hangs up his cleats.

Will Adam Wainwright find himself in the Hall of Fame following his retirement?

While it has already been confirmed that Wainwright will retire following the 2023 campaign, the St. Louis Cardinals have begun to wonder if they will see their fan-favorite pitcher enshrined in Cooperstown. Though he has a legitimate case for the Hall of Fame, he is not a lock to be inducted.

Throughout his career, Wainwright has won a World Series and has been selected to the All-Star game three times. While he has never won a Cy Young Award, he was in the top three on four occasions. His 195 career wins have him tied for 132nd all-time, and his career strikeouts currently have him sitting 71st all-time.

If he is able to maintain a similar level of production as he did in 2022, he should surpass the 200-win threshold, which will undoubtedly help his bid for the National Baseball Hall of Fame.