JUPITER, Fla. • Michael Wacha seems to be having more fun in the Cardinals’ clubhouse this spring than he probably ever has.

Part of that surely could attest to his side feeling good, after he missed 3½ months because of an oblique strain last season. And the fact his often-balky shoulder hasn’t bothered him. And the fact he has pitched well this spring, featuring a five-inning blanking of the New York Mets on Thursday in a 1-1 tie. He scattered five hits and uncoiled a quick delivery to the plate that enabled catcher Yadier Molina easily to throw out a base runner at second.

Perhaps Wacha, a prospective free agent, is making sure he enjoys what might be his last spring in the Cardinals’ clubhouse.

The 27-year-old righthander said, however, “I don’t think about that. But it’s a very valid question.”

Another question Wacha addressed was how he felt about teammate Miles Mikolas signing a four-year extension to avoid free agency. Chances are the Cardinals will not sign two starters to extensions.

“That’s awesome for him,” Wacha said. “I can tell you there’s nothing (I have) against the Cardinals, nothing against Miles for signing that contract, for being offered that. Well-deserved for him. He’s a stud pitcher and great off the field.