Jose Molina joins Cardinals as Spring Training guest instructor

On Tuesday, two-time World Series winner Jose Molina joined the Cardinals in Spring Training as a guest instructor. The veteran catcher was released by the Tampa Bay Rays in November, following a season in which his defensive and offensive contributions were limited.

According to an STL Today article from Derrick Gould, Jose Molina could serve as a “roving catching instructor” for the team, which would allow him to help the other Cardinal catchers at camp make adjustments. This role allows him to assist head coach Mike Matheny with preparing catchers and could be expanded depending on his health and involvement later on. 

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The 39 year-old carries plenty of experience that Cardinal backstops could benefit from. In his 15-year career, Molina has won World Series titles as backup catcher with the Los Angeles Angels in 2002 and the New York Yankees in 2009, while playing for five teams and compiling a career defensive WAR of 7.3.

Jose becomes the third Molina brother to hold a specific role with the St. Louis Cardinals. Yadier Molina debuted with the Cardinals in 2004 and still remains the team’s starting catcher, while the oldest brother Bengie Molina took on the duties of assistant hitting coach for a single season in 2013.

While upcoming knee surgery is expected to sideline Jose Molina from strenuous physical activity for 10-12 months, he has not yet officially announced his retirement from baseball as a player. For now, he has the opportunity to give back to the Cardinals and baseball as a mentor.