Central STL News

Yadier Molina, a prominent figure in St. Louis Cardinals history, has expressed interest in returning to Major League Baseball as a coach or manager for the 2026 season. Molina, who retired after the 2022 season following a 19-year career with the Cardinals, shared his intentions on Instagram, stating he is “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 sources familiar with internal discussions, Molina has been in talks with current Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol and president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom regarding a potential coaching role on Marmol’s staff next year. Molina and Marmol have maintained a close professional relationship since Marmol’s time as first base and bench coach. Their connection continued during Marmol's initial year managing the team while Molina was still playing.

Molina recently told Puerto Rico’s El Vocero that conversations with the Cardinals are ongoing: “Right now, we are in contact with [St. Louis], to be coach of the Cardinals [and] help Marmol,” Molina said. “He is still a leader, but [I] would be there by his side. There is nothing concrete yet, but we are on it.”

This development comes as other former Cardinals players explore coaching opportunities across Major League Baseball. Albert Pujols has reportedly interviewed for managerial positions with both the Los Angeles Angels and Baltimore Orioles. Skip Schumaker was named manager of the Texas Rangers last week, while Nick Punto has reportedly spoken with the Minnesota Twins about their open managerial job.

Molina played all 19 seasons of his MLB career for St. Louis and holds several records including most games caught for one franchise (2,184). Alongside pitcher Adam Wainwright, he also set marks for most wins (213) and starts (328) as a battery duo.

Molina returned twice this past season to Busch Stadium as a guest coach—his first appearances since attending Adam Wainwright’s retirement ceremony at the end of 2023. In December 2023 he had agreed to serve as special assistant to then-president John Mozeliak but was unable to take up those duties due to family obligations in Puerto Rico.

Reflecting on his recent experiences at Busch Stadium working with young catchers and players, Molina stated: “[Managing] is my plan and in my future, but right now I’m concentrating on my family because they deserve that,” speaking before an August game against the Cubs. “But, yeah, in the future I’d like to coach. Step by step."

“The idea is to come here and help the catchers, give them advice and make them better,” he added. “I just want to be here to help. I’m not coming here to try and make things different. I just want to help the young guys however I can. And I just want to enjoy the game.” He also remarked on what it means personally: "I don’t miss playing; I miss being at the field...being back in St. Louis...means a lot to me."