Yadier Molina has set Opening Day as the deadline to reach a contract extension with the Cardinals.
Ah, ultimatums are always fun.
Jenifer Langosch on Twitter
The #stlcards are on the clock: Yadier Molina says he does not want to negotiate an extension in-season.
He doesn’t want to be distracted by negotiations dragging on into the season.
Isn’t that what your agent is for?
If a new deal isn’t reached, the longtime St. Louis star said he isn’t afraid to hit the open market.
Jenifer Langosch on Twitter
Molina says he’s not afraid to test free agency. And if a contract extension doesn’t get done this next week, that’s likely where this goes.
Molina is entering the last guaranteed season of a five-year, $75 million deal. There is a $15 million mutual option for 2018 with a $2 million buyout that seems unlikely to be exercised.
“I’ve still got many years in the tank. Believe me,” Molina said. “I feel great. I feel like a 20-year-old kid.”
Yadi will be 35 in July, but has shown remarkable durability for a catcher.
He has been seen taking reps at first base many times, which is definitely an idea down the line to keep him fresh and ease top prospect Carson Kelly into the role.
“I would love to stay here,” Molina reiterated. “But if they don’t want to spend their money, I understand that, too.”
Opening Day is in just 7 sleeps, so Mozeliak has a busy week ahead of him.
DeWitt and Mozeliak have both said that a week is enough time to come up with a deal both sides agree on.
DeWitt was asked if the Cardinals would be willing to make Molina the highest-paid catcher in the game, he said: “He would certainly be one of the highest-paid catchers. Part of that is (annual average value), part of it is length. That all factors into what he ends up looking for and what makes sense for the club.”
