Yadier Molina

Yadier Molina spent his entire 19-year MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals, establishing himself as one of baseball’s most decorated catchers. Drafted by the Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2000 MLB draft with a $325,000 signing bonus, he made his professional debut with the Johnson City Cardinals in 2001. Molina’s MLB debut followed on June 3, 2004, and he played a pivotal role in the Cardinals’ 2006 World Series championship.

He earned his first Rawlings Gold Glove Award in 2008, his first All-Star selection in 2009, and his first unanimous Fielding Bible Award in 2010. Molina secured his second World Series championship with the Cardinals in 2011, earning his first Platinum Glove Award as the National League’s best defensive player. He signed a 5-year, $75 million extension in 2012, finishing 4th in NL MVP voting that year. His offensive prowess was recognized with his first Silver Slugger Award in 2013, following a 3rd place finish in NL MVP voting.

In 2018, he received the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award for community involvement, including relief efforts for Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria in 2017. That year, he also set an MLB record for most games caught with one team (1,757) and secured his ninth Gold Glove Award. He made his 15th Opening Day start in 2019, followed by his 16th consecutive in 2020, the same year he achieved his 2,000th career hit. Molina caught his 2,000th career game with the Cardinals in 2021, signing a 1-year extension.

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