After two disappointing seasons, St. Louis Cardinals fans are ready to move on from current manager Oli Marmol. While they speculate about his eventual replacement, one name stands out above the rest: franchise legend and future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols, who won the Dominican Winter League this offseason and will lead the Dominican national team in the World Baseball Classic next year. Pujols has the clubhouse cred and manner to succeed in his new role, and it’s easy to envision him manning the bench in St. Louis for years to come.
Of course, Pujols is not the only well-known former Cardinal who aspires to be a manager. Pujols’ former colleague, long-time catcher Yadier Molina, has managed both in winter ball and for Team Puerto Rico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, a job he will most likely have in 2026. Yadi is currently attempting to spend as much time at home as possible while his son, Yanu, plays high school ball in Texas. However, when the time comes, he hopes to manage in the Majors.
So why not the Cardinals? Molina is open to that if the occasion arises. However, he is open to other ideas, including one that St. Louis fans may find disqualifying.
Yadier Molina opens possibly of Cardinals’ nightmare manager scenario
In an interview with Katie Woo of The Athletic on Monday, Molina addressed his short leave from the Cardinals, where he joined on as John Mozeliak’s special assistant in the winter of 2023.
“I’ve been away from my family for many years,” Molina explained. “I decided to take a break and put them as my priority right now.”
However, while Molina is currently focused on caring for his wife and three children, he has not lost sight of his next career goal. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to acquire it.
“This is baseball, right?” Molina said. “If we make a decision as a family, I can manage anywhere.” I’d manage the Chicago Cubs if they wanted.”
Of course, Chicago may not have an opening for the foreseeable future, as the franchise remains committed to Craig Counsell after snatching him from the Milwaukee Brewers last summer. But you never know how things will change or what the future may hold. While Molina would probably prefer to return to the dugout in St. Louis, it’s a good reminder that the Cardinals can’t afford to sit back as they set a new course for the team.
