St. Louis Cardinals taking step to keep Yadier Molina for life

The idea of Yadier Molina in another uniform just seems strange. The longtime St. Louis Cardinals‘ catcher has been a legend with the franchise, someone who should be destined to spend his entire career in the city. Yet, that was a distinct possibility last offseason, as Molina entertained offers from other teams before the Cardinals made the decision to bring him back.

That may not be the case this offseason. The Cardinals and Molina are reportedly in talks to bring him back for the 2022 season, eliminating any such drama.

St. Louis Cardinals looking to keep Yadier Molina around

It is understandable that the Cardinals would want to keep Molina around for the 2022 campaign. He has posted a respectable .256/.303/.378 batting line in his 353 plate appearances, hitting eight homers and 16 doubles. While his 89 OPS+ is below major league average, his numbers are still solid from the catching position.

Molina has also continued to be a strong defensive catcher. He has saved three runs defensively while throwing out 42.5% of would-be basestealers. Even if his framing work is not what it had been, he is still a strong defensive presence. Keeping him around would work wonders with what may be a young Cardinals’ pitching staff next year.

Signing Molina also goes beyond what he would theoretically bring to the team as a veteran leader next year. He and Adam Wainwright have been the faces of the current era of Cardinals Baseball, players who displayed their loyalty to the organization by spending their entire careers in St. Louis.

The Cardinals need to show that same level of loyalty. It is clear that Molina has no desire to play anywhere else, that he wants to retire with the birds on the bat on his chest. Considering his production this season, he is certainly worth the $9 million he made this year.

The St. Louis Cardinals are looking to extend Yadier Molina through 2022. It is a great step to making sure he remains with the franchise for life.