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You might have heard, but maybe you didn’t, and in the case, allow me to break the news to you:
The Cardinals and Yadier Molina have reached an agreement on a contract extension.
Oh, and it isn’t terrible!
John Fleming profiles the contract here.
Molina has been with the Cardinals organization since he was drafted by the team in 2000, making him the longest tenured athlete in St. Louis. Since his major league debut on June 3, 2004 Yadi boats a slash line of .285/.338/.400, having made significant improvements offensively since 2011. After fully recovering from a thumb injury in 2014, in 2016 he began to return to form, hitting for 113 wRC+, bringing his career average in that category to an even 100. Then there is the stellar defense, which while having declined the past few years is still above average. With the contract, Yadi will be able to add to his career 33.3 fWAR. Molina is a seven-time All Star, eight-time Gold Glover, four-time Platinum Glover, was awarded a Silver slugger in 2013 and has been to four World Series, winning in 2006 and 2011.
Depending on how the option year is handled, this newest contract will extend to Yadi’s age 38 or age 39 season, making it very likely that he will retire having spent his entire career wearing the Birds on the Bat.
Badass.
Feel free to celebrate here!
Hochman: Yadier Molina, a St. Louis treasure (a la Yogi) | Benjamin Hochman | stltoday.com
Yadier Molina contract is about perception for Cardinals. | St Louis Cardinals | ESPN
Cards, Yadier Molina hopeful about extension | MLB.com
Yadier Molina just got paid (and that’s OK) | SBNation.com
Cardinals, Yadier Molina agree to extension | Viva El Birdos
Sentiment Aside, Yadier Molina Is a Smart and Winning Investment | 101Sports.com
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