Cardinals: Is Yadier Molina retiring after 2022?

After Yadier Molina signed a one-year extension, the Cardinals hinted at when their veteran backstop might call it a career.

Molina is viewing his 19th season as perhaps his Last Dance of sorts, modeled after Michael Jordan’s 1996 season with the Chicago Bulls. Yadi hopes the 2022 campaign in St. Louis ends the same way the MJ doc did for the greatest basketball player of his generation — with a championship ring.

FanSided’s own Robert Murray laid out the Cardinals approach:

Molina has still put up respectable numbers this season, despite a slight decline from 2020. 19 seasons behind home plate will take a toll on anyone, but Yadi throws out base-runners at an excellent clip, and continues to prove age is just a number with battery-mate Adam Wainwright likely to stay in St. Louis as well.

St. Louis Cardinals: Is Yadier Molina a Hall of Famer?

It’s tough to see Yadi being denied his place in Cooperstown, especially considering his defensive ability and where he ranks among catchers in his era.

Whenever his name comes up on the ballot, expect a resounding ‘Yes’ from the voting block, despite constant debate among fans and writers alike.

As baseball fans, we all remember our firsts. Whether it’s the first game we attended, the first jersey we purchased or our team’s first World Series win. This summer, Woodbridge Wines, FanSided and some of your favorite baseball stars want to help you celebrate your baseball fan firsts. Check out this video from Adam Jones talking about his own baseball first and then share your own stories by visiting https://woodbridgevideocontest.dja.com/index for your chance to meet Adam Jones himself!”