Projecting Yadier Molina’s final season with the St. Louis Cardinals

Yahoo projections have Yadier Molina taking a step back. In his final year, it won’t matter what his numbers are for the St. Louis Cardinals faithful.

For the St. Louis Cardinals, the 2022 season will be the end of an era. Yadier Molina, their longtime catcher, is scheduled to retire as the season concludes.

For Molina, there is little left to achieve in his career. The 10-time All-Star, nine-time Gold Glove winner, four-time Platinum Glove winner, and two-time World Series champion is likely headed to the Hall of Fame after spending the duration of his 19-year career with the Cardinals.

This season is going to be full of special moments for Molina. When he visits opposing ballparks for the final time, there are bound to be plenty of standing ovations.

For his personal stats, Yahoo has projected Molina to play in 119 games, which is two fewer than what he played last season. In those 119 games, Molina is projected to smack 100 hits, score 37 runs, clobber nine home runs, bat in 51 runs, and steal two bases.

Most of these numbers are well behind what Molina accomplished last season. Most notably, his RBI projection is 15 lower than last season’s total. In two fewer projected games, it would be crazy to imagine Molina having 15 fewer RBIs.

The other projections are right in line with a steady decrease in production. As Yadi enters his age-39 season, the numbers should naturally decrease from last season.

As per usual, it is difficult to judge Molina’s value based on his offensive numbers alone. His all-time-level defensive prowess and exceptional command over the pitching rotation make Yadi a legend on the diamond.

With 2022 being his final season, there will be plenty of time to reminisce on Molina’s greatest moments. For now, fans just have to hope there will be a full 162-game season to enjoy all of Molina’s greatness for the last time.