Cardinals Legend Yadier Molina Returning to Organization as Special Assistant

Molina will work with the team's catchers and help shape the development curriculum for backstops in the minor league system.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Former St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina is returning to the organization as a special assistant to the president of baseball operations, Chaim Bloom. Molina, who spent his entire 19-year MLB career with the Cardinals, will work with the team's catchers and help shape the development curriculum for backstops in the minor league system. The 43-year-old is expected to arrive at Cardinals spring training camp on Monday, ahead of the team's first full squad workout.

Why it matters

Molina's return to the Cardinals organization in an official capacity is seen as a major boost for the team's young catching prospects, who will have the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest catchers in MLB history. The Cardinals are loaded at the catcher position, with several top prospects vying for playing time, and Molina's expertise and mentorship can help accelerate their development.

The details

Molina, a 10-time All-Star and 9-time Gold Glove winner, spent his entire 19-year MLB career with the Cardinals, helping the team win two World Series championships. After retiring following the 2022 season, Molina has maintained a close relationship with the organization and will now officially join the staff as a special assistant to Bloom, the team's president of baseball operations.

  • Molina is expected to arrive at Cardinals spring training camp on Monday, ahead of the team's first full squad workout.
  • Molina's new role with the Cardinals was announced in January 2026.

The players

Yadier Molina

A 10-time All-Star and 9-time Gold Glove winner who spent his entire 19-year MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals, helping the team win two World Series championships.

Chaim Bloom

The president of baseball operations for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Ivan Herrera

A top catching prospect in the Cardinals' minor league system.

Pedro Pagés

A veteran catcher in the Cardinals' organization.

Yohel Pozo

A veteran catcher in the Cardinals' organization.

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What they’re saying

“No. 4 -- a jersey synonymous throughout St. Louis, Missouri and Cardinals Nation with legendary catcher Yadier Molina -- is returning to the club's staff after three seasons largely away from the organization.”

— John Denton, MLB.com writer (MLB.com)

“Yadier Molina is expected to arrive at Cardinals camp tomorrow for the first official day of full squad workouts.”

— Jeff Jones, Belleville News-Democrat reporter (Belleville News-Democrat)

What’s next

Molina is expected to work closely with the Cardinals' young catching prospects, including Ivan Herrera, Pedro Pagés, and Yohel Pozo, to help accelerate their development and prepare them for the major league level.

The takeaway

Yadier Molina's return to the Cardinals organization as a special assistant represents a significant investment in the team's future, as the legendary catcher will use his expertise and experience to guide the next generation of Cardinals backstops. This move underscores the team's commitment to player development and maintaining their competitive edge in the years to come.