Tony Dejak/Associated Press
Yadier Molina will be returning to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022 for a 19th season.
Katie Woo from The Athletic reports that the 39-year old has agreed to a $10 million one-year contract extension on Tuesday.
There was speculation that Molina and Cardinals were looking to a new agreement during the season. Derrick Goold, of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reported that both sides are "encouraged by" their recent discussions.
Woo and Ken Rosenthal from The Athletic reported that Molina wanted a one-year contract worth more than the $9 Million he received in 2021.
Molina stated that he was willing to retire after lengthy negotiations during the offseason.
He said, "If God asks me to return, then I will," on the La Vida Baseball podcast (h/t Corey Miller at KDSK.com). "And if I don't, I will retire happy holding my head high."
Molina was finally offered a deal by the Cardinals in February just before spring training began. Molina was named to the National League All-Star Team in 2021. He posted a.259/.304/.376 line in 94 games.
Molina was unlikely to play for another team if he chose to free agency. Since being selected in the fourth round 2000 Major League Baseball Draft draft, he has been with the Cardinals.
Molina is undoubtedly the greatest catcher this century and a St. Louis legend. Puerto Rico's native Molina is a 10 time All-Star and 9-time Gold Glove winner. He helped the Cardinals win two World Series championships in 2006 and 2011.
