Cardinals: A stat that shows Yadier Molina’s defensive dominance

St. Louis Cardinals’ Yadier Molina has been a dominant player for almost 20 years, but his ability to throw out base stealers is somehow be underrated.

Ever since the St. Louis Cardinals signed Yadier Molina to a one-year, $10 million contract extension, following the announcement with news that 2022 would be his last season in Major League Baseball, there have been tributes and numbers uncovered to show just how good of a career he has had.

Molina, of course, has been the leader of the Cardinals for almost 20 years. His bat resided in the middle of the lineup and established an undeniable presence. The same can be said for his impact behind the plate, where he has not just controlled a pitching staff, but established himself as one of the game’s premiere defensive catchers.

One of the ways Molina has done that has been throwing out attempted base stealers. From 2003 to 2021, opponents have attempted only 1,373 stolen bases against the Cardinals. The next closest team, the Arizona Diamondbacks, had 1,891 against them. That’s over 500 more stolen base attempts. The San Diego Padres, who are last on the list, had 2,509 stolen base attempts against them.

The stat, uncovered by Buster Olney of ESPN, underscores just how good Molina has been behind the plate. His elite ability to call a game and throw runners out when they get on base assuredly gives pitchers peace of mind. Heck, that presence — and offensive game, clubhouse presence and everything that comes with Molina — is a large reason why Adam Wainwright has said he wants to play with Molina for the remainder of his career.

There are not many catchers like Molina, hence why the Cardinals made it their top priority to sign him well before he reached free agency. What he has done, both offensively and defensively, is what makes him a surefire Hall of Fame candidate when he becomes eligible to enter Cooperstown. The stolen base numbers, or lack thereof, is just another indicator of that.