Cardinals rumors: Adam Wainwright extension on the horizon?

Sources familiar with the St. Louis Cardinals and starting pitcher Adam Wainwright expressed a sense of optimism for an agreement on a long-term contract extension to be completed before Opening Day, according to Derrick Gooldof The St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Goold notes that negotiations between St. Louis and Wainwright's agent "continue to accelerate with a mutually understood deadline" of Opening Day. General manager John Mozeliak told reporters yesterday that "The St. Louis Cardinals and Adam Wainwright aggressively continue to work to a resolution on his contract status." The GM added that "there is a sincere desire as there has always been to find a way to extend Adam." Both parties appear to agree that a "resolution is best sooner rather than later."

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Wainwright is entering the final year of his current six-year, $36 million contract, which will pay him $12 million this season. The 31-year-old is reportedly seeking at least a five-year contract, and he's likely in line for an average annual salary north of $20 million. Whatever the agreement, it figures to be the most lucrative deal the Cardinals have ever finalized with a pitcher.

Over seven seasons in the majors, Wainwright owns a career ERA of 3.15 with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.02.

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