The St. Louis Cardinals have only made one playoff appearance in Oli Marmol’s three seasons there. In 2022, the Cardinals lost the NL Wild Card Series to the Philadelphia Phillies. For a team built around superstars like Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, Marmol’s lack of success can not be tolerated.
The Cardinals have missed the playoffs in two of Marmol’s three seasons, and the last two have finished significantly below preseason expectations. (71–91 in 2023; 83–79 in 2024). Marmol’s position is already under risk moving into 2025, given the poor situation of the St. Louis club. However, a Cardinals legend’s interest in a management role may have simply raised the temperature beneath Marmol’s seat.
Yadier Molina interested in managing the Cardinals
Yadier Molina is a name that will be remembered in the St. Louis Cardinals organization and throughout Major League Baseball. Molina lasted an unprecedented 19 seasons as a catcher for the Cardinals, winning multiple honors.
Molina is a 10-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion, nine-time Gold Glove Award winner, and four-time Platinum Glove Award winner. As good as Yadi was as a player, according to his brother and former MLB player, Bengie, Yadi is ready to take on a new role.
While we understand that former players do not usually make the best managers, it is difficult to believe that Yadier Molina would not be an excellent match for this role, particularly for the Cardinals. With his honors from a leadership position as a player, one has to imagine that those abilities may convert to being a big league captain.
Former catchers often make better managers than other position players, as evidenced by Brad Ausmus and Stephen Vogt.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69483116/1233514424.0.jpg)
If the St. Louis Cardinals miss the playoffs for the third consecutive year, don’t be shocked to see Yadier Molina return in a Cardinals uniform, but this time on the top step of the dugout calling the shots.
