After experiencing free agency for the first time in his lengthy career, Yadier Molina reportedly agreed to re-sign with the St. Louis Cardinals Monday night. Jon Heyman reported on Twitter that the deal is for one year, paying $9 million. Molina has spent nearly the past two decades playing for the Cardinals, where he was a franchise pillar.
Yadier Molina agreement with Cards is for $9M
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 9, 2021
Molina’s Career
Drafted out of Puerto Rico in the 2000 MLB Draft by the Cardinals, Molina blossomed into one of the best catchers of this generation. He made his debut in 2004, at 21 years old, and has spent his entire 17-year career in St. Louis.
Molina has amassed some great numbers for a catcher in his lengthy career. He is fifth among active players with 2,001 hits. He has driven in 932 runs, and he has a career slashline of .281/.333/.404. His offense is fine on its own, but it is his defense that sets him apart. Molina’s nine Gold Glove Awards are second-most by an NL catcher all-time. The 38-year-old also has four Platinum Glove Awards on his mantle. His value goes way beyond the numbers. Molina is known for his ability to juggle the pitching staff and his baseball IQ is off the charts.
Molina is a two-time World Series champion, and his 101 postseason games played are sixth-most all-time. In four World Series, he is a .328 hitter. Overall, Yadier Molina is a .280 hitter in the postseason, and he is on the long list of Cardinals’ greats.
Back To St. Louis
Molina is still a really good player, but even if his offense declines, he will continue to provide the Cardinals plenty of value. He has more experience than most players in the history of the game. He will guide the pitching staff as well as these young position players. Molina’s value has always gone far beyond the surface statistics, and it will be ever-present back in St. Louis in 2021.
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