The St. Louis Cardinals have re-signed catcher Yadier Molina to a one-year contract worth, $10 million. Molina, 39, is currently hitting .259 with 31 runs, 88 hits, 16 doubles, 8 home runs, 51 RBI's, 3 stolen bases, and 21 walks in 2021. Next season, will be Molina's 19th season in the MLB.
Molina had his best season in 2012. That season, Molina hit .315 with 65 runs, 159 hits, 28 doubles, 22 home runs, 76 RBI''s, 12 stolen bases, and 45 walks. The home runs and stolen bases were both career highs for Molina. In 2016, Molina had a career high 164 hits. Molina had a career high 82 RBI's in 2017.
Molina is a 10 time All-Star: (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2021). Molina has won the Gold Glove Award 9 times: (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2018). Molina won a Silver Slugger Award in 2013. In 2018, Molina won the Roberto Clemente Award. Molina has also won the World Series 2 times: (2006, and 2011).
Overall, Molina is currently in his 18th season in the MLB. Molina has played 2,119 games with 744 runs, 2,089 hits, 397 doubles, 7 triples, 168 home runs, 983 RBI's, 69 stolen bases, 534 walks, and a .280 batting average. Molina's hits in franchise history rank 4th best. The only players who have more hits than Molina are: Stan Musial (3,630), Lou Brock (2,713), and Rogers Hornsby (2,110). Molina has the chance to pass Hornsby for 3rd all-time in hits in franchise history.
Will Ivan Herrera make the team next season? The Cardinals are rumored to want Herrera, 21, to learn from Molina, before taking over the catching duties. There's a chance that 2022, could be Molina's final season.
