5 potential landing spots for Yadier Molina in free agency

Derek Goold of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch wrote earlier this week that the Cardinals are believed to have an edge because of "their willingness to talk two years." If the Cardinals ultimately present a two-year offer to Molina, it's pretty difficult to imagine him going elsewhere. There are other major-market contenders that make sense as suitors for Molina, but to lure him away from the place he's spent his entire career, it would seemingly take an unwillingness from the Cardinals to guarantee a second season, mixed with a notable contender paying him quite a bit of money over the next two seasons. The guess here is Molina will eventually agree to a two-year deal to finish his career with the Cardinals.

Earlier this month, RADIO.COM MLB Insider Jon Heyman reported that both the Mets and Yankees had shown interest in Molina. The Mets are expected to be at the forefront of the J.T. Realmuto sweepstakes, but it's possible they go in another direction, such as signing George Springer and/or trading for Francisco Lindor. If Steve Cohen's Mets choose to make their biggest investment elsewhere, Molina could be paired with Tomás Nido as the Mets attempt to compete in a crowded National League East.

As Phillies Nation's Jonny Heller put it, fans will view it as "a massive failure" if the Phillies are unable to re-sign J.T. Realmuto. Be that as it may, the team will need someone to catch if they don't re-sign Realmuto. Andrew Knapp was excellent in the pandemic-shortened season, slashing .278/.404/.444 in 33 games in 2020. Knapp isn't going to be the starter if Realmuto leaves, but will likely take on an increased role if that's what unfolds. Molina and Knapp, if the Phillies don't pivot to McCann, could potentially be a proficient tandem.

As noted above, RADIO.COM MLB Insider Jon Heyman has previously connected the Yankees to Molina. Former All-Star Gary Sanchez fell out of favor in the postseason, with Ken Davidoff and Joel Sherman of The New York Post reporting that the Yankees are willing to consider trade offers for him this offseason. Kyle Higashioka got the bulk of the postseason at-bats, and seems to have cemented himself as Gerrit Cole's personal catcher. If the Yankees do part ways with Sanchez this winter, Molina could make sense in pinstripes, pairing with Higashioka.

An executive opined to MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal earlier this offseason that the Nationals could be a player for J.T. Realmuto, though we're going to guess that two National League East rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets, are more likely landing spots. With Kurt Suzuki set to hit the free-agent market, Molina could be a good fit to platoon with Yan Gomes. Adding Molina alone won't be enough to help the Nationals climb out of the cellar in the National League East. They lost Bryce Harper and Anthony Rendon in consecutive offseasons, so they need to add an impact bat this winter. Still, Molina could be an upgrade behind the dish, and help the Nationals bounce back after a disappointing campaign.