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Perhaps by the time this post goes live this question will already by answered, but the rumors are the St. Louis Cardinals and Yadier Molina are nearing agreement to extend the long-time Birdo backstop, making him very likely to retire a Cardinal. Per Jon Heyman of Fanrag Sports:
The St. Louis Cardinals and revered catcher Yadier Molina are making major progress toward a possible contract extension... While the current terms being discussed are unknown, Molina was originally seeking a four-year extension, while the team countered with a two-year offer. A deal now appears to be getting close between the two sides.
This news comes days after Molina stated he would test free agency if he and club were unable to reach an agreement before the start of the season on Sunday. Jeff Todd of MLB Trade Rumors speculated that the agreement could be around three years and Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post Dispatch reported that Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt had this to say about the potential contract:
"We’d love to have him stay... He would certainly be one of the highest-paid catchers. Part of that is (annual average value), part of it is length. That all factors into what he ends up looking for and what makes sense for the club."
A deal certainly appears to be very close to finalized.
Heyman: Cardinals, Molina making big progress toward extension | Fanrag Sports
Cardinals "Making Progress" In Contract Talks With Yadier Molina | MLB Trade Rumors
Latest On Yadier Molina Extension Talks | MLB Trade Rumors
Clock is ticking: Cardinals have one week to woo Molina | St. Louis Cardinals | stltoday.com
Contract talks continue with Molina; fans at game chant 'Four more years!' | St. Louis Cardinals | stltoday.com
The Cardinals and Yadier Molina Must Find a Way To Extend a Special Relationship | 101Sports.com
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