Perhaps it isn't a foregone conclusion that nine-time All-Star Yadier Molina will return to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2021.
Mark Saxon reports that Molina's camp recently "balked" at a contract offer from the Cardinals, adding that his team viewed the offer put forward as "ridiculous."
It would be interesting to know exactly where the two sides aren't in agreement. RADIO.COM MLB Insider Jon Heyman reported at the outset of the offseason that Molina was targeting a two-year deal, and Derrick Goold of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch noted in late November that the Cardinals were willing to meet him at two seasons. Seemingly then, the two sides are likely haggling over money, as opposed to contract length.
While it still feels pretty unlikely that Molina will play anywhere other than St. Louis to conclude his illustrious career, he did tell ESPN's Marly Rivera in April that he would consider playing for another team if need be. There's also evidence that a market for him exists outside of St. Louis, as he told Laura A. Bonnelly V. of Mas Que Pelota that he's received interest from the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Los Angeles Angels and San Diego Padres, in addition to the Cardinals.
If the Mets ultimately reach a deal with James McCann, they'll come off the board as a possible landing spot for Molina. That said, other potential suitors, such as the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals, could still emerge as the offseason plays out.
Considered one of the greatest defensive catchers in baseball history, Molina has won nine Gold Glove Awards and still posted one defensive run saved in 2020. Molina's offensive production has declined fairly significantly from where it was at his peak, as he slashed .262/.303/.359 with four home runs and 16 RBIs in his 17th season with the Cardinals, while posting a 0.0 offensive WAR.
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