Yadier Molina retired from Major League Baseball nearly immediately following the 2022 season. The former St. Louis Cardinals catcher looks to be enjoying his retirement so far. Despite this, it appears he is set to return to baseball for the 2026 season.
Molina, 43, declared on Instagram that he wants to return to baseball as a coach or manager. According to Robert Murray of FanSided, he is open to any opportunity in the MLB, Mexico, or any other league that will accept him.
“Throughout my career, I’ve had countless satisfactions both on and off the field,” Molina shared. “After three years away from the lines, I’m ready to return to the field – whether as a coach or manager – in MLB, Mexico, or wherever I can continue my baseball career, contributing and giving back to the sport I’m passionate about.”
According to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals have contacted Molina after he expressed an interest in coaching or managing. Manager Oli Marmol reportedly asked Yadier Molina to the dugout for the 2025 season.
“In an Instagram post, Yadier Molina says he is’ready’ to return as a coach or manager.” This is similar to what he stated in St. Louis last season, except it is one year earlier. Many positions are vacant. Cards [manager] Oli Marmol welcomed Molina to the dugout this season, and the Cardinals have kept in touch.
Yadier Molina is recognized as one of the finest catchers in MLB history. In addition to his nine Gold Glove victories as a catcher, he is a four-time Platinum Glove Award winner, a Silver Slugger Award winner, a ten-time All-Star, and a two-time World Series champion.
Molina had a.277 batting average and.327 OBP across 19 seasons with the Cardinals, with 2,168 hits (third all-time in Cardinals history), 176 home runs, and 1,022 RBIs. Yadier Molina will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2028.