The St. Louis Cardinals have already decided to keep manager Oli Marmol in 2026. However, team great Yadier Molina has hinted at a probable return to the dugout.
That won’t happen in 2026, however. According to Katie Woo of The Athletic, the Cardinals presently have no intentions to add Molina to their coaching staff.
“The Cardinals do not currently expect Yadier Molina to be a part of next year’s coaching staff, but remain open to finding a role for Molina within the org,” Woo wrote in his column.
Molina appeared twice as a guest coach with the Cardinals in 2025. He also managed the Navegantes del Magallanes in Venezuela’s Professional Baseball League.
Molina was also the manager for Puerto Rico’s 2023 World Baseball Classic team.
As he considers his future, Molina does not want to leave baseball anytime soon. He recently indicated his wish to remain active in an Instagram story, according to Joey Schneider of Fox 2 Now.
“Throughout my career I have had countless satisfactions on and off the field,” Molina conveyed. “After three years off the lines, I am ready to return to the field, whether as a coach or manager, MLB, MX or where I can continue my career in baseball helping and contributing in the sport that I am passionate about.”
If Molina were to manage in Major League Baseball, joining the Cardinals would be almost like a rite of passage.
He played his whole 19-year career with the team, winning two World Series championships and was chosen an All-Star ten times.
For the time being, Marmol will continue to take the lead. But if ownership decides to make a change, perhaps Molina’s interest will be regarded more seriously.