St. Louis Cardinals: Three players impacted by Yadier Molina’s return

Yadier Molina #4 of the St. Louis Cardinals walks to the dugout against the Cleveland Indians during the fifth inning at Progressive Field on July 27, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images)

Yadier Molina’s return cements him only ever playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, but it also impacts the roster for next year. Who are three players?

Love it or hate it, Yadier Molina will be back with the St. Louis Cardinals for the 2022 season.

The deal, announced on Tuesday, gives Molina a raise over his 2021 salary up to $10 million in what will be his final season officially. For the last couple of years, speculation has been rampant about whether or not Molina would retire or continue. One aspect that likely helped keep him on the field was the COVID-19 pandemic. The illustrious career of Yadier Molina ending in a whimper after a season without attendance wouldn’t have been right.

Now, with an entire offseason of warning, Molina can get the retirement tour he so well deserves. In the wake of the team’s announcement about Molina’s extension, there was plenty of backlash about the price and whether or not he is worth it, but this decision was about more than just that. The storyline, the loyalty the two sides have shown each other, it all was part of it.

Molina returning for another year isn’t just about him though. It will change things for players currently on the roster and in the system. The storyline is great, but the on-field impact matters more. Who are the three players impacted most by Molina’s return?

Yadier Molina’s return cements him only ever playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, but it also impacts the roster for next year. Who are three players?

Schedule