3 teams other than Cardinals that should sign Yadier Molina

We round up the list with the San Diego Padres, probably the biggest surprise of the 2020 season. Many expected this squad to be good down the road, but no one thought they’d be legitimate championship contenders this year. General manager A.J. Preller was ultra-aggressive at the MLB trade deadline in hopes of making a deep postseason push. While they did fall to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS, they’ve made it known they’re not trying to take a backseat after re-signing deadline acquisition Mike Clevinger to a two-year deal, even though he’ll sit out 2021 due to Tommy John surgery.

When looking at San Diego’s roster, their infield is one of the best in the league and their outfield is relatively solid. Their catching depth, however could use some help.

The team acquired Austin Nola in their complicated trade with the Seattle Mariners, and he was more than competent at the plate across both squads in 2020 (.273 batting average, .825 OPS). When it comes to defense behind the plate, Nola did have four passed balls but made up for it with a fielding percentage of .995.

If the Padres are serious about contending for an NL pennant in 2021, they should outbid the Cardinals and his other suitors to make him their everyday catcher. Another positive about signing Molina is that if MLB and the players union approves of the universal designated hitter, they can use Nola at that position. Considering the NL Central is in cost-cutting mode, the Padres’ chances of hoisting the Commissioner’s Trophy would definitely increase with Molina on the squad.