Yadier Molina changes mind over retirement
Yadier Molina had made it clear prior to the start of spring training that he was looking at returning to play baseball in St. Louis with the Cardinals when his three-year $60m contract ran out at the conclusion of the 2020 campaign. He had no interest in playing elsewhere and would retire if he could not return to St. Louis. But the COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot, including Molina’s mind.
“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 said in an interview with ESPN.
Molina has spent his entire 16-year career with the Cardinals featuring in 1,947 games – more than any other catcher with a single franchise in MLB history. He also holds the MLB record for consecutive playoff games started with 83. He would clearly like to add more games to that total and to end his career with the only team he has ever known.
“Obviously, St. Louis is my first option. But if they don’t sign me, then I’m willing to go into free agency. This situation has changed my mentality, and all I want to do is play.”
The catcher featured in 113 games for the Cardinals last year, hitting 10 home runs and putting up 57 RBIs. He has only played less games in a season once since 2008 and St. Louis could be looking to get younger and move on from the veteran. The 37-year-old is not giving up hope an extension though.
“Before this terrible situation happened, I thought there was a 50/50 chance that the 2020 campaign would be my last. Not now,” Molina said to ESPN. “The most important thing right now is people’s health and getting past this pandemic. It’s a very difficult situation. After we accomplish that, after we’re able to start the 2020 season, then I’d like to have that conversation.”
Molina has gone to the World Series four times with the Cardinals, winning in both 2006 and 2011. But despite the emotional attachment to the organization, the veteran understands that professional sports are a business at the end of the day and the club needs to ensure they what make sense for their future.
“The reality is that this business is difficult for a 38-year-old catcher; my window is smaller,” said Molina. “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.”
The Cardinals won the National League Central Division last year, finishing with 91 wins. They were ultimately swept in four straight games though in the National League Divisional Series against the Washington Nationals who ended up winning the World Series.
It still remains to be seen whether a 2020 MLB season can take place, but the league maintains they are optimistic of it happening.
