Yadier Molina stepped away from MLB right after the 2022 season, and the longtime St. Louis Cardinals catcher has seemed to enjoy retirement. Even so, he now appears ready for a comeback in 2026 — this time in a coaching or managerial role.
At 43 years old, Molina revealed in an Instagram post that he hopes to rejoin the sport as either a coach or manager. He said he’s open to opportunities in MLB, Mexico, or any league willing to bring him aboard, according to Robert Murray of FanSided.
“Throughout my career, I’ve had countless satisfactions both on and off the field,” Molina said. “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.”
Following his announcement, reports suggest the Cardinals have already touched base with the nine-time Gold Glove catcher. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that manager Oli Marmol invited Molina into the dugout during the 2025 season.
“In a post on Instagram, Yadier Molina says he’s ‘ready’ to return as a coach or manager. This echoes what he said in St. Louis this past season, but moves it up a year. Many jobs [are] open. Cards [manager] Oli Marmol invited Molina to [the] dugout this season, and Cardinals have remained in touch.”
Molina is widely viewed as one of the greatest catchers in MLB history. In addition to his nine Gold Gloves, he won four Platinum Gloves, a Silver Slugger, made 10 All-Star teams, and helped the Cardinals win two World Series titles.
Across 19 seasons with St. Louis, he posted a .277 batting average and .327 OBP, with 2,168 hits (third-most in franchise history), 176 home runs, and 1,022 RBIs. Molina becomes Hall of Fame-eligible in 2028.