One of the greatest duo of battery-mates in MLB history deserve far better than to have their final season together delayed.
Wainwright has thrown to Molina’s mitt for 15 years running. The two have formed one of the best batteries in baseball history, and they’re even better friends off the diamond. Heck, Wainwright and Molina even vacationed with one another in Puerto Rico last Thanksgiving.
While 2022 is expected to be the final season for both players, a delayed Opening Day and start to the campaign could cost both some accolades. It’s unlikely either player is focusing on that at this point in their career or the lockout process. Wainwright, for one, has been vocal in his support for the union and Molina likely feels the same way.
Yadier Molina, Adam Wainwright could be robbed of milestones
Depending on when the season begins, Molina and/or Wainwright might be robbed of significant individual accomplishments next season.
Yadi, for one, needs just .3 WAR to pass Curt Flood for eighth place on the Cardinals’ all-time WAR list. An outstanding 3-WAR season would put him in seventh, passing Ted Simmons. Molina could pass Enos Slaughter for fifth place in total bases on the Cards’ all-time list. With 23 home runs this year, Molina could pass all of Simmons, Jim Bottomley and Rogers Hornsby on the Cardinals all-time home runs list.
Wainwright is one of the best pitcher in Cardinals franchise history, and he’s also in position to move up the ranks this season. He’s just 16 wins away from 200 in his career, so that’s first and foremost. If Wainwright were to start 30 games this season, he’d move into third place on the Cardinals’ list, passing Jesse Haines. Waino also has the opportunity to move up the ranks in both innings pitched and starts.
All of this could change, of course, depending on when the season starts.