Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright will forever be etched in Cardinal history. Molina is arguably the greatest defensive catcher of all-time and replaced Mike Matheny as the full-time backstop in the early 2000s. Adam Wainwright has spent his whole career as a Cardinal, and the two have started the fifth most games together of any catching-pitcher combination in MLB history. Wainwright came up in 2005, following a trade with the Atlanta Braves. They’ve won multiple World Series together.

The 39-year-old Wainwright was in the booth this October following the Cards’ elimination, but seems to have more in the tank. He posted a 2.65 ERA in 2020. Yadi had a tough year at the plate, but is still only a year removed from 10 homeruns and a .270 average. He will be 38 next season, yet is still a durable and quality defensive catcher.

Wainwright signed for one more season last offseason, and is set to hit the market again. 2020 was the final year of Molina’s contract. The Cardinals have decisions to make, but Derrick Goold of the STL Post-Dispatch noted that they are still discussing an extension with the future Hall of Fame catcher. Molina is looking for two years, per agent Melvin Roman. Molina has stated he wants to be a Cardinal for life, but also wants to extend his career. Wainwright recently said on a radio show that he’s following Molina.

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