Three years later, the two icons are planning their next steps.
The St. Louis Cardinals are an institution steeped in tradition and history. Over the course of numerous generations, the club has had its fair share of exceptional players who have made an impression on the city.
Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina are two such players who will retire from Major League Baseball following the 2022 season. They won two World Series championships and three National League pennants together in St. Louis.
Both guys were fan favorites and will be sadly missed in St. Louis. Pujols earned three National League MVP titles in St. Louis, while Molina was a nine-time Gold Glove winner behind the plate.
Cardinals Legends Wanted To Stick Around After Retiring
Former St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter Bernie Miklasz provided an intriguing bit of information from manager Oli Marmol: when the Cardinals were eliminated from the postseason in 2022, Pujols and Molina both approached him about potential coaching positions.
Molina visited St. Louis twice this year as a guest coach and has shown interest in joining Marmol’s staff for several years. He was taken on as an advisor ahead to the 2024 season.
Both have shown an interest in becoming full-time managers. Pujols is the main contender to replace Ron Washington as manager of the Los Angeles Angels, having previously managed Leones del Escogido of the Dominican League. He is also expected to coach the Dominican national team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, while Molina led Team Puerto Rico in 2023 and will do so again following year.
However, it is worth noting that both legends wanted to work for Marmol and seriously contemplated sticking with the company after retirement. It’s also a credit to Marmol’s performance as Cardinals manager since 2022.
Pujols is expected to take over as manager of the Angels, they have yet to reach an agreement on a contract, and if Pujols does not get the job, he might wind up joining Marmol’s coaching staff later this summer.
Having Pujols and Molina back would provide the squad with two powerful voices who would immediately command respect in the clubhouse. Both have the potential to help the Cardinals improve even during a rebuilding season.
It will be intriguing to watch what happens next between the two legends. Molina is a good possibility to join the coaching staff in 2026, but Pujols might also receive that opportunity if the Angels hire a different manager.