The St. Louis Cardinals are allegedly considering a reunion with club great Yadier Molina, this time in a coaching position. According to various MLB sources, the Cardinals have had internal conversations about adding Molina to their 2026 coaching staff, with the objective of instilling his leadership, baseball IQ, and winning spirit in the clubhouse.
Molina, a nine-time Gold Glove winner and two-time World Series champion, spent his entire 19-year MLB career with the Cardinals, where he established himself as one of baseball’s most recognized personalities. Since retiring following the 2022 season, Molina has stated a desire to return to the Cardinals in a key position. He led Team Puerto Rico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, gaining vital experience leading professional athletes. Bringing Molina into the dugout might help rebuild the team’s culture and responsibility after two poor seasons.
Meanwhile, trade speculations about Nolan Arenado have resurfaced. Following another disappointing season for both Arenado and the Cardinals, there is mounting suspicion that the star third baseman may be looking for a change of scenery. While St. Louis has officially reaffirmed its commitment to Arenado, other clubs are keeping a close eye on the issue, anticipating the Cardinals may retool their squad this winter.
Arenado, 33, is one of the league’s top defensive third basemen and is under contract until 2027. However, with the Cardinals seeking to rebuild their pitching staff and regain competitiveness in the NL Central, selling Arenado may free up substantial payroll and attract young talent.
If Molina returns to the organization and Arenado trade negotiations heat up, the Cardinals’ offseason might be one of the most dramatic and carefully followed in recent years.