All-Star catcher Yadier Molina said on multiple occasions that he would be willing to extend his career past 2020 season only if that meant staying with St. Louis Cardinals. However, the lack of baseball due to coronavirus pandemic made 37-year-old Molina took a different approach regarding the matter.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Molina, who is set to become a free agent after this season, said that he would now be willing to play for another franchise.
“I previously said that, if it wasn’t with St. Louis, that I would go home,” said Molina. “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 spent all of his 16 years in the majors with the Cardinals and hopes to retire in St. Louis. But if they are not willing to have him for several more years, he is ready to hit the free-agent market.
“Obviously, St. Louis is my first option,” he added. “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.”
Yadier Molina made his MLB debut in 2004 and went on to become one of the most respected catchers of his generation. Over the course of his career, he made nine All-Star selections, received nine Gold Glove Awards, and helped Cardinals win two World Series. Also, the 1,947 games he caught with St. Louis are more than any other player in MLB history managed with a single franchise.
Despite Hall of Fame-worthy career resume, however, Molina is hoping to build his legacy even more.
“The reality is that this business is difficult for a 38-year-old catcher; my window is smaller,” he concluded. “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.”
