Fervent Calls for the Field Sidelines Presence of Cardinals Legend Yadier Molina
Situation Tightens for St. Louis Cardinals Manager Oli Marmol
The Cardinals are in a sticky spot, thanks to manager Oli Marmol and the looming shadows of baseball legends Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina. Both icons have expressed a desire to manage, and rumors abound that they could take over the team.
Here's a juicy tidbit from Adam Wainwright, former Cardinals pitcher and longtime buddy of Molina – he's reportedly received offers from other teams for Yadier to step into the manager's role. Yet, Molina hasn't made a move, which might lead some Cardinals fans to dream he's biding his time for the team to make a play. However, in an interview with Katie Woo of The Athletic, Molina stated he'd consider management opportunities if his family gives the green light – even with the enemy Chicago Cubs lurking [1][2].
Wainwright is confident in Molina's managerial skills, praising him as the smartest baseball brain he's ever played with. But he admits Molina might face challenges with media interaction, jokingly suggesting his brother Bengie could step in as press secretary [1][3]. Wainwright draws a comparison to Jose Oquendo, another sharp-witted Cardinals coach who might have struggled with the media spotlight.
Molina confessed to Katie Woo that, despite living in Texas, he still feels deeply connected to St. Louis. Yet, he didn't exactly sing the Cardinals' praises, which might make him hesitant to jump aboard. But even if he's smitten with the idea of returning to St. Louis in a managerial capacity, a shakeup higher in the organization could complicate matters. Chaim Bloom, set to take over from Mozeliak in 2026, lacks ties to Molina, potentially reducing the odds of the future Hall of Fame catcher donning the birds on the bat again [1][4].
If the Cardinals want to profit from Molina's training, they need to act fast. Other teams are on the hunt, eager to capitalize on the wisdom Molina could bring to their younger players. Don't expect a warm welcome if fans see Molina sporting another team's jersey next season. Players would undoubtedly thrive under Molina's tutelage, but time is of the essence if the Cardinals hope to snag him [1][2].
Enrichment Notes:- While Yadier Molina hasn't explicitly declared his desire to manage the St. Louis Cardinals, there are rumors and speculation pointing towards him potentially managing at the major league level [1][2][4].- There is no solid evidence suggestng Yadier Molina has received specific offers from the Cardinals or any other team [1][2][4].- Yadier Molina has been involved in other projects post-retirement, such as a movie about his life and career in collaboration with Lin-Manuel Miranda [2][5].
The Cardinals might face tough competition, as other teams eye the wisdom of Yadier Molina for their coaching staff, particularly in a managerial role, given his baseball acumen. Rumors persist about Molina's potential interest in managing, though he has yet to receive any formal offers from the Cardinals or any other teams.
