3 Yadier Molina replacements Cardinals could sign if necessary

The Cardinals have plenty of available options when it comes to replacing Yadier Molina behind the plate.

The St. Louis Cardinals appear to be content with moving on from Yadier Molina. He was reportedly not pleased with the team’s latest offer.

Molina has been behind the plate for the Cardinals since 2004 and it will be weird seeing a different player at catcher in St. Louis. There are plenty of available options in free agency ranging from veterans who could come on a short-term deal all the way to one player in particular who could be a franchise-changing piece.

Let’s take a look at three potential replacements for Molina in 2021.

3 replacements for Yadier Molina

3. Tony Wolters

Wolters hit free agency after being non-tendered by the Colorado Rockies. The 28-year-old spent five seasons in Colorado and did post a 1.5 WAR in 2019. However, his -0.5 WAR in 2020 was enough for the team to move on.

The catcher is a former third-round draft pick by the Cleveland Indians and does have a career .323 on-base percentage. This would not be a flashy signing by any means. However, Wolters would come cheap and the Cardinals could see how he does with a change of scenery. Essentially, St. Louis can hope he can return to his ways from when he was such a high draft pick.

Fans are going to want a comparable replacement. That may not be possible and taking a chance on Wolters goes with what seems to be the current strategy of saving money at the position.