Cardinals icon Yadier Molina has heard from three non-Cardinals clubs since free agency has begun, agent Melvin Roman tells Jon Morosi of MLB.com (Twitter link). Unsurprisingly, Roman did not specify which clubs have reached out to this point in the very young offseason. So far, this is shaping up to be something of a public-facing free agency for Molina, as Roman has already been willing to put his name on record in stating his client’s hope for a two-year deal as well.
It’s difficult to picture Molina in the uniform of any club other than the Cardinals after the 38-year-old has spent the past 17 years in St. Louis. But Molina raised some eyebrows among Cardinals fans earlier this year when he declared that he wanted to continue playing and was willing to do so even if it meant signing with a new club. Roman previously indicated that Molina is seeking a two-year deal that would carry him through age 40 and, perhaps, through the end of his likely Hall of Fame career.
While we don’t know yet — and may not know — which clubs plan to seriously pursue Molina, it’s not hard to look around the league and pick out some potential landing spots. There’s already speculation about the Yankees moving on from Gary Sanchez, for instance, and there would be few more dramatic ways to flip the narrative in the Bronx than to move from the free-swinging, defensively challenged Sanchez to the high-contact, defensively revered Molina.
Elsewhere, the Mets are on the lookout for a new backstop with Wilson Ramos hitting free agency. The Phillies could lose J.T. Realmuto this winter, and the Marlins are also expected to explore catching upgrades on the heels of their surprising playoff berth. The Angels could use an upgrade, too. Wherever Molina does go, it’s logical to expect him to sign with a club that has clear postseason aspirations — one that can offer him regular playing time. The nine-time Gold Glover and four-time Platinum Glover already has a pair of rings on his resume and surely would like to add another in the waning stages of his career.
Molina’s bat has tailed off since a solid 2018 showing, but he’s put together a respectable .268/.310/.388 batting line with 14 home runs and a lowly 13 percent strikeout rate through 608 plate appearances over the past two seasons. That level of production — an 86 wRC+ — is well south of the league average hitter but isn’t far off the mark of the performance of the average catcher. And Molina still has well-regarded defensive numbers, including above-average framing marks, a 31.7 percent caught-stealing rate since 2019 and his reputation as one of the game’s premier game callers.
One of the more intriguing storylines — or, for Cardinals fans, more unsettling storylines — to follow this winter will be the future of Molina and fellow Cardinals icon Adam Wainwright. Both aim to continue playing in 2021, and Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wrote last month that the longtime teammates have even discussed the possibility of signing elsewhere as a pair in free agency. All else equal, both would prefer to return to St. Louis, it seems. However, the Cards do have a younger option behind the plate in Andrew Knizner, and there’s already been plenty of talk about the financial limitations the front office might face this offseason.
The Cards won’t be able to part with Yadi. Especially when other teams express interest, they’ll further realize that he is still a solid asset. My guess is 2/12-16
Good thing Pujols contract comes off the books after next season for them…… oh wait
2yrs, 20m guaranteed with big incentives. Just my opinion.
No way he gets that much. 10 mil a year and a pandemic making revenues for 2021 unclear? Plus, let’s face it, it’s DeWitt and the Cards can’t afford it because “baseball just isn’t a profitable business. Ha. What a Scrooge.
Your guess will probably way off!
he’ll leave.
I can see Molina leaving for the same reasons I’m struggling with the job management has done. 3 biggest reasons are Voit, Ozuna, and Arozarena, Molina might join the list. I don’t know what vision upper management has for the team, clearly they don’t either by the previosly mentioned names.
He’s going to get a lot more than 2/$12… I’m not even necessarily saying his production deserves it… but just from a respect level to stay with the Cardinals it’s going to take significantly more than that. I’d be shocked if he signs anywhere for less than 2/$20M and wouldn’t even be surprised if he wound up with closer to 2/$30. I’m by no means saying his productions should actually warrant that kind of pay day… but that’s for sure what he’s going to wind up getting.
In a normal market I would probably agree, but spending is going to be down across the entire league. No way he gets anywhere near 30 mil
The market will be depressed, but should J.T. move on from the Phils and the Yankees look at moving on from Sanchez, there could be two years are $10 – $12M per year on the table.
One reason he won’t, Covid and no butts in the seats. There’s going to be a HUGE reset in salaries until owners can guarantee the Casino type revenues they have enjoyed in the past.
Mo has certainly made some bad decisions. Signing and trading for some who haven’t worked out and letting go of others we should have kept. BUT, isn’t some of this on players like Carpenter and Fowler? Andrew Miller?
He bet on O’Neill, Bader, and Carlos Martinez. At what point do the players accept responsibility? In spite of all of this, we still made the NLCS last year and playoffs this year.
I’m saying Mo deserves some level of respect BUT don’t sign Molina and make another mistake. He’s asking too much and he is clearly not the player he was. If money is that tight, use it wisely. Same goes for Waino though he isn’t as demanding.
Sounds like a ploy by his agent to get St. Louis to make a quick decision. Will be shocking if he leaves St. Louis!
Mo can’t make a decision ( pathetic) as a GM .
mo isn’t the gm, hasn’t been for approximately 2 years.
I was thinking this too
You’re right on the nose, concerning Mozeliak.
I hear more negativity out of John Mozeliak’s mouth every year Concerning the Cardinals welfare!!
Most fans believe —-by Mozeliak’s constant down grading the financial stability of the Cardinals, —— plus always voicing negativism to signing or trading for young impact bats,—-
Mozeliak is covering his own butt for his lack of ability to judge not only other teams young talent——— But he has the most trouble gauging his own personnel!!!!
As has been so evident through his trades which gives his own better talent for less talent and costing less money ——
Free Agent signings which have waisted multi-millions of dollars on the names of players rather than their current ability.
The Cardinals will remain a .500 ball team as long as they have John Mozeliak.
The bad thing——the DeWitts aren’t baseball savvy enough any more to realize just how bad John Mozeliak really is.
You are right this is why Dewit cries there is no money in baseball even though his investment has over tripled. He’s got MO swinging worse trades than Walt Jockety got fired for. Making worse commitments to over age 32 players, like Folwer, Holland, Carpenter, and somehow still has faith in Jeff Alberta cause he might have some of that Magic knowledge Jeff Luhnow took with him when he left the Cardinals. I hope they fix this delusional nonsense they spoon feed us.
Ill be really bummed if they dont resign him. They basically said they have no money to pursue other FAs, so give us Yadi and Waino to finish out their careers with the birds on the bat.
They could cut Yadi’s salary in half and still outbid the field. There’s no reason not to bring him back (Waino too).
Yadi’s last contract, 3/$60M, overpaid him by $15-20M. Water under the bridge, I know, but something to remember.
More like $10m after you subtract the portion of salary not paid in 2020.
As I’m sure Has I said to Cabrera when he went out there vs the Padres, your competition doesn’t care what’s going on, they are looking to win.
Look for the Mets to trade one of their SS to the Reds for Barnhart. The Reds need a SS that can also play some 2B for a couple of years. The Reds have three good catchers, with Barnhart being the most expensive but will have one (and likely) two Gold Gloves.
I think Mets could package one or both of their ss with others for lindor.
They could do that. They have a new owner and he will want to make a splash.
why the hell would the Reds do that when they could just bring back Galvis? If they’re trading for SS they’re going to aim higher than the pedestrian stock the Mets have to offer, especially if they plan on parting with half of their catching platoon. If anything they’d shop Casali because both he and Stephenson bat right handed. I’d think they’d make the outfield available over anything else.
Well, let’s stay calm. The Reds will need to find a way to put Stephenson on the roster at Catcher. Most of the SP prefer Casali and Barnhart is a way to shed money. The Mets have a need at catcher and too many SS. They would have to bundle a few other players in the mix.
The Reds could bring Galvis back since he can play SS and 2B and they will need another versatile IF or just ride with Farmer.
The Reds will not be in play for Didi, Lindor or any of the high-priced SS available in FA this year or next. They won’t spend the money and they have Garcia in the wings.
didn’t mean to sound aggressive my friend.. and I’ll bet you a can of root beer they’ll sign Didi to a 1 year with an option
No problem my friend. I’ll take that root beer bet. I’m not sure Didi will accept another one year deal, especially since he would then be part of a HUGE SS FA class in 22′. But, money will be tight this year and I would love for the Reds to have Didi back in a Reds uniform 🙂
Alfaro bust for the Marlins?
I was thinking about the Marlins too. Alfaro would definitely benefit from having Molina around, and he could play some 1B or DH too. They also have lot of young (spanish-speaking) pitchers that would benefit from having an experienced guy like him behind the plate.
As far as Catchers go no. He’s got plus power but no plate discipline. And needs help with pitch framing. Should continue to develop and it would be amazing to do so under Yadier.
And pretty athletic for a C
He’d be a better option than Sanchez in NY with whatever they end up with the rotation defensively and he can still hit some. Probably wouldn’t cost much more AAV wise short term than the projected 5mAAV wise Sanchez got in 2020. 10x behind the plate.
I’d like to see him in Atlanta with TDA, and go ahead and bring Wainwright with him as well.
Why didn’t Roman just come out and say “ every club is after my player”. Wow everyone is now beating down the door to sign a 38 year old catcher? Ummm DONT THINK SO.
The player’s agent as the source = believe this at your own risk.
How irked would card fans be if the cubs snagged both Molina and Wainwright?
That won’t happen!!
Why not? Trade Contreras for controllable pitching then sign Molina and Wainwright who would be a cheaper replacement for Lester. Probable? nope realistic? probably not. Not going to happen? Never rule out anything this offseason its going to be crazy and unpredictable.
Um… why is he a likely Hall of Famer?
@fsrasmd Um…. I will teach you. The backbone of one of the top franchises for the last decade. 4 World Series appearances, two victories. 9 Gold Gloves, 9 All-Star selections, 2x a top 4 MVP vote getter. The most durable catcher for the last 16 years.. 1 Silver Slugger Award, etc etc
Because he’s likely to be elected to the Hall of Fame some time in the future. Not an inner-circle guy, but a good candidate based on objective, subjective, and team-based historical criteria.
“likely” is correct. i dont think saying he’s a no doubter or 1st ballot guy is correct though.
It’s definitely more than “likely” not only does he have 9 AS appearances, 9 Gold Gloves, silver sluggers, WS championship etc etc. He’s also got 2000+ career hits, which for a catcher is pretty incredibly. Not to mention he’s possibly the greatest in-game pitch-caller/game-manager the game has ever seen… or at least in todays modern analytics driven version of the game.
Of course he’s a no doubter and going in on his first ballot. He’s one of the greatest catchers of all time. He’s not the best, but he’s certainly one of the best. The man has dominated the catching position since he started. Yes, there have been other good catchers, but very few could touch Yadi’s skills behind the plate. That alone makes him a slamdunk first ballot Hall of Famer.
Is that a joke? He’s been one of the best all-around catchers in basebal for the past (almost 2 decades!!) Haha. I understand his total offensive numbers don’t jump off the page. But he’s been a perennial all-star and has paired gold-glove defense and amazing game management skills with Good to occasionally great offense. He’s a no-brainer HoF
Joe Mauer
Buster Posey
Thurman Munson
Bill Freehan
I’d prefer those catchers get in.
Yadi is the Omar Vizquel of catchers. He’ll probably get in.
Mauer was great but he played 15 seasons and caught more than 100 games in a season 5 times (and only hit 90 games two other times). No doubt he’s a better hitter than Yadi, and his peak as an all-around catcher (2006-2010) is higher, but I personally don’t think that makes him more deserving as going into the Hall as a catcher. I think the Biggio-type HOFers, which category Yadi probably falls into, are underrated.
Of course he’ll get in. He’s one of the greatest catchers of all time and has more or less dominated the catching position since he started. He’s a slamdunk first ballot Hall of Famer.
Best thing to happen to Munson was he played in a bandbox and he passed away too soon.I’ll take Yadi over any of those you mentioned.
That’s a very good comparison, Molina and Vizquel.
Better than Rick Ferrell.
They dump Molina, Wainwright and Wong but keep Carpenter?
Mo should go!!!
Carpenter is under contract for 2021. They’re paying him no matter what. And the Cardinals haven’t “dumped” the others. They could re-sign all of them.
Let’s Go O’s!
Stroman going somewhere will push the Mets to go hard after Bauer
I thought Stroman was pushing hard to get out of New York
No he isn’t. He liked playing for the mets. Doesn’t mean he’ll stay a met.
Yeah but he opted out this season
I thought that was just dumb on his part
That’s how I took it
He’s from NY and was a Mets fan growing up. He’s not pushing to get out, but I don’t doubt that he wants to get paid. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t take the qualifier they offered. It’s more than what he’s going to get on average in the open market.
id go as far as to say they may sign both. that would be what id predict actually vs any other outcome – Stro and Bauer to NYM.
Angels pickup Stroman, Wainwright and Molina.
Molina signing with a team that isn’t the Cardinals would be the baseball version of when Brady went to the Buccaneers.
No way. Brady is arguably the greatest of all time….
That’s not the comparison I meant. I meant that it would be one of the sport’s longest tenured players with one team going to another team.
What’s your point? Yadi is one of the greatest of all time, too. Your comment made no sense.
Perfect under the radar signing for the Rays. Zunino’s option not picked up, Perez lost on waivers to the Pirates, and only a talented 22 year old AA catcher left on the 40 man roster.
Yadi isn’t really an under the radar kind of dude
Molina’s souvenir sales alone will pay for at least one year.
I would LOVE to see Yadi in a Cubs uniform LOL
Yadi would look great in a Cincinnati Reds uni.
Angel’s getting Yadi and Waino..that crazy ? back with Pujols
Blue Jays should swoop in, sign Yadi to mentor Jansen, help the rotation, deal Kirk, Moreno arrives in 2023.
Angels please
Yadi on the Yankees, I’ve beaver thought of that before. It’s very interesting
Never* not beaver
Near zero chance. Molina will return to the Cards to finish his career. He’s still a good defender but far from his peak and his bat is fading. Sanchez will be the Yankees starting catcher, for better or worse.
Anyone that picks Yadi up is picking him up to get more out of their underperforming or underdeveloped pitching staff. Yadi is a pitching coach behind the plate. Between the Yankees, Padres, Cardinals.. and I’m sure I’m missing some, they’d all be smart to overpay to retain his services… and the Cardinals should not let him walk away. I’d say $24mil/2 years would be a fair deal.
Angels
Huh? Bandbox? Like Munson was known as a big HR hitter & dying too young is the best thing that happened to him? What a AH, this guy could outhit Molina any day of the week, guy was unstoppable in the ’76’ series!