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Cardinals’ Molina Considering Free Agency

One of the best catchers in the history of baseball is considering the free agency market. Yadier Molina is an all-time talent and has been dominant behind the plate for the St. Louis Cardinals.

He is a staple for their team but isn’t getting any younger. In July, Molina will turn 38, and his contract will expire after the 2020 season.

I suppose this is a statement saying that he wants to continue to play. For a catcher, playing until the age of 38 is an accomplishment in itself. However, he has said that if the Cardinals aren’t an option after this season, he will be open to another home.

“I previously said that if it wasn’t with St. Louis, that I would go home. If we were unable to come to an extension agreement, that I would retire. But the situation with this pandemic has changed everything. Right now, I’m thinking of playing two more years,” Molina told ESPN during a phone interview.

He is currently playing out a three-year, $60 million contract. He has said that St. Louis is still his first option. This is not a Tom Brady situation. Molina would still like to return to the Cardinals and finish his career.

He said there was a 50/50 chance that 2020 would be his last season without the coronavirus pandemic. But sports fans across the country realize that if baseball is played this season, the format may be a little different. It’s doubtful that many players, especially ones with as much history as Molina, want to retire in the questionable times of 2020.

The 2020 season would be the 16th season for him in a Cardinals uniform. He has caught 1,947 games for them in his career, which leads MLB in most games caught for a single franchise. He is most certainly a first-ballot Hall of Famer when the time comes, and it would be strange to see him in a different uniform.

He discussed that what is important right now is everyone staying healthy during the struggles of COVID-19. But he also mentioned his physical health as a 38-year-old catcher.

“The reality is that this business is difficult for a 38-year-old catcher; my window is smaller,” said Molina, who is staying in shape in his family home in Jupiter, Fla. “But I feel ready to keep on playing. I’m in good physical shape. My knees are good; my mind is great. Physically, I’m fine. That’s why I’ve made the decision to play two more years.”

Cardinals’ Point of View

There is no doubt that the Cardinals’ front office would love for Molina to retire in St. Louis. The nine-time Gold Glover has done so much for their franchise. However, it is difficult to sign someone at his age and his cost. St. Louis may be in a position where they need a transition behind the plate.

The Cardinals have plenty of veterans on their team, but also have a farm system with players looking to make the move to the pros. Not to mention the potential opportunity that the Cardinals may see of signing a young catcher next offseason.

Molina’s agent, Melvin Roman, will have his work cut out for him after the 2020 season. Best-case scenario, he finds a way to keep him in St. Louis. If not, fans could see Yadi in a different jersey to end his career.

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