The Cardinals and ace Adam Wainwright are still working towards reaching agreement on a contract extension as spring training comes to a close. Sources familiar with both sides of the conversation expressed a sense of optimism to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that a deal will be struck before Opening Day.
The two sides took a break from extension talks earlier in the offseason when Wainwright was seeking more years than the Cards were willing to offer. However, they have come back to the table in recent weeks and reports have generally been positive regarding the discussions.
An extension for the 31-year-old figures to be the most lucrative one ever given to a pitcher by the Cardinals. Deals given to right-handed starters Matt Cain (six years, $127.5MM) and Zack Greinke (six years, $147MM) could provide a framework for a deal.
Wainwright posted a 3.94 ERA with 8.3 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9 in 198 2/3 innings last season after returning from Tommy John surgery.
