3 Yadier Molina replacements Cardinals should already be eyeing
By Mark Powell
Yadier Molina replacements: Tucker Barnhart makes sense
Barnhart was traded to the Tigers this offseason, and Detroit immediately picked up his $7.5 million club option for the 2022 campaign. After that, his contract is up, and it’s unclear what the Tigers’ intentions are with him beyond that point.
Barnhart is a natural, veteran fit to lead the Tigers’ young pitching staff. It was a savvy need by a team that desperately needed leadership behind home plate. As for the Cardinals’ concern, he’d be a natural fit with many of their young relievers, and his knowledge of the NL Central will pay dividends.
The 30-year-old slashed .247/.317/.368 last season, an improvement from his 2020 campaign where he hit just over the Mendoza line. Barnhart’s strength isn’t at the plate, and considering he’s above the age of 30 he wouldn’t be a long-term replacement for Molina if the Cardinals were to sign him next offseason, when he’d be 31.
Barnhart won his second Gold Glove in 2020, but per Blog Red Machine, took a step back defensively last season. He faced his first real competition at the position with former first-round pick Tyler Stephenson pushing him for the starter’s spot. Particularly, Barnhart struggled to contain the running game.
"“The 43 stolen bases allowed by Barnhart this season were the most he’s surrendered since his 2018 campaign. Even though his 28% caught stealing rate was above the league average of 25%, it was down significantly from the 36% ratio last year.”"
That’s a downturn from Molina. Yet, without much competition behind him in Detroit, Barnhart should be more comfortable and ideally return to his norms in the 2022 season.