The St. Louis Cardinals announced the return of legendary catcher Yadier Molina on Wednesday, a move that aligns perfectly with their long-term strategy. Since Molina”s retirement after the 2022 season, the team has struggled to solidify the catcher position.
The Cardinals initially brought in All-Star catcher Willson Contreras, who contributed to the organization. However, in 2025, the club transitioned Contreras from catching duties to first base and subsequently traded him to the Boston Red Sox during the offseason.
In the 2025 season, the Cardinals handed the catching responsibilities to Iván Herrera. Unfortunately, due to injuries, Herrera primarily played as a designated hitter, leaving the catching role to Pedro Pagés and Yohel Pozo. Eventually, the team”s sixth-ranked prospect, Jimmy Crooks, made his major league debut.
As the 2026 season approaches, the Cardinals are looking at Herrera, Pagés, and Crooks as their primary catching options. Additionally, the organization boasts promising talent like 19-year-old catcher Rainiel Rodriguez and 21-year-old Leonardo Bernal, the fourth-ranked prospect, who may also be in line for a big league debut soon.
With Molina back in the organization, these young catchers will have the invaluable opportunity to learn from one of the greatest players in franchise history. This mentorship could prove crucial as Herrera, Crooks, Rodriguez, and Bernal aim to establish themselves as long-term solutions behind the plate.
The Cardinals” roster is notably youthful, making Molina”s presence even more beneficial for the team as they prepare for the future. With a wealth of high-end prospects at the catcher position, the team can now rely on Molina”s expertise to help cultivate the next generation of talent.
