Veteran catcher Yadier Molina set to join Cardinals' coaching team for a couple of games during the upcoming weekend series against the Cubs.
In a surprising turn of events, Yadier Molina, the legendary catcher who retired from the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022, has returned to the team's dugout for a short-term role as a guest coach. This marks Molina's first time back in uniform with the Cardinals since his retirement.
Manager Oliver Marmol invited Molina to help mentor young players and offer his extensive knowledge gained over a 19-year playing career with the Cardinals. The collaboration will see Molina in the Cardinals' dugout for two games against the Chicago Cubs in August 2025.
Molina's current involvement with the Cardinals is as a short-term guest coach. He has expressed that he will wait until at least a year after the 2026 World Baseball Classic, where he is currently managing Puerto Rico, before considering a full-time coaching or managerial position at the MLB level.
Molina prefers operating behind the scenes, focusing on one-on-one mentoring and making subtle improvements to the team rather than a broad, public coaching role at this stage. There are no reports yet of a formal coaching contract with the Cardinals; his current role is temporary and invitational, with a hope from both Molina and Marmol that it could lead to more sustained involvement.
Molina's career with the Cardinals was nothing short of spectacular. He won nine Gold Glove Awards, was part of two World Series championship teams, and made 10 All-Star Games. He retires with a .277/.327/.399 batting line (96 OPS+) and 176 home runs.
However, the timing of Molina's appearance in the Cardinals' dugout is not random. He is in town for a different appearance, and his return to the team comes at a critical time for the Cardinals. Currently, they are 5 1/2 games behind the closest playoff spot in the National League, with a record of 11-19 since the start of July and a season record of 58-58.
Molina's vision extends beyond his current role. He has visions of being an MLB manager in the future, aiming potentially for an MLB managerial role by 2026 or thereafter, once his son finishes high school.
As the Cardinals look to make a postseason run, Molina's return, albeit temporary, offers a glimmer of hope and a reminder of the team's rich history. His wisdom and experience could prove invaluable in steering the team towards success.
- Fans of professional baseball, particularly MLB, are excited about Yadier Molina's return to the St. Louis Cardinals as a short-term guest coach.
- In the upcoming two games against the Chicago Cubs in August 2025, Molina will be offering his extensive knowledge to young Cardinals players.
- Despite his temporary role, Molina mentioned that he aims for a potential MLB managerial position by 2026 or later, subject to his son finishing high school.
- The Cardinals, currently 5 1/2 games behind the closest playoff spot in the National League, could greatly benefit from Molina's wisdom and experience.
- Notably, Molina's career with the Cardinals has been truly impressive, with nine Gold Glove Awards, two World Series championships, and ten All-Star appearances.
- Molina's role with Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic could serve as a stepping stone for him to rise through the ranks and eventually manage an MLB team.
