Wainwright joins MLB Network as on-air analyst
MLB Network on Tuesday announced that World Series champion and three-time All-Star pitcher Adam Wainwright has joined the network as an on-air analyst appearing across its programming. Wainwright, who retired from the game this past season, will make his MLB Network debut on Opening Day on Thursday, March 28. Among his appearances, Wainwright will contribute to MLB Network¡¯s on-site coverage of MLB at Rickwood Field featuring the St. Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants this June.
¡°I¡¯m very excited to join MLB Network¡¯s All-Star cast for the 2024 baseball season,¡± said Wainwright. ¡°I love the game of baseball and breaking down the art of pitching. Hopefully, I can bring some expertise and real-life experience to those who are watching at home.¡±
¡°Adam is a proven champion -- on-and-off the field -- who time and time again excelled at his craft while remaining devoted to helping others,¡± said MLB Network President Bill Morningstar. ¡°He always added something to our shows when he joined as a guest, from how he faced hitters to showcasing the lighter side of the game. As we get ready for a new season, Adam is a welcomed addition to the MLB Network family, who will only help bring our viewers closer to the game.¡±
¡°Adam is a perfect example of everything that is good in this game,¡± said former St. Louis Cardinals teammate and MLB Network analyst Mark DeRosa. ¡°From pitching in the game¡¯s biggest moments to impacting lives off the field, this is one of the great guys our sport has to offer. MLB Network got way better today.¡±
In addition to Wainwright, former All-Stars Yonder Alonso, Alex Avila, Jake Peavy, Albert Pujols and Chris Young have all joined MLB Network as on-air analysts in recent years. Wainwright¡¯s career began with being drafted in the first round, 29th overall, of the 2000 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Atlanta Braves before joining the Cardinals for the entirety of his 18-year MLB career (2005-2023). Wainwright ¨C who led the National League in wins, games started and innings pitched in 2009 (19, 34 and 233) and 2013 (19, 34, 241 2/3) ¨C was an MLB All-Star in 2010, 2013 and 2014. A 2006 World Series champion and two-time Gold Glove Award winner, the right-handed pitcher went on to record 200 career wins alongside a 3.53 career ERA and 2,202 strikeouts in 2,668 1/3 innings pitched. As a member of the Cardinals, Wainwright ranks only second to the late Hall of Famer Bob Gibson (3,117) in career strikeouts in team history.
Before his retirement this past October and after being nominated four different times, Wainwright was the 2020 Robert Clemente Award winner, bestowed annually to the player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field. Wainwright is the founder and president of Big League Impact, a community of professional baseball players working to raise money for causes they care about, and will release his first full studio album, including songs ¡°Time To Fly,¡± ¡°Hey Y¡¯all¡± and ¡°A Song Will Bring You Back¡± on Friday, Feb. 23.
In addition to MLB Network, Wainwright will contribute to MLB on FOX¡¯s coverage in 2024, which was announced last month. Viewers can follow Wainwright on social media via @UncleCharlie50.