How Yadier Molina’s Return Will ELEVATE Ivan Herrera’s MLB Play For The St. Louis Cardinals In 2026

St. Louis Cardinals welcome Yadier Molina back as special assistant—could his legendary catching expertise unlock Yván Herrera’s full potential and reshape the team’s future? JD Hafron spotlights Herrera as the player set to benefit most, examining the impact of Molina’s mentorship on the Cardinals’ catching corps and strategic direction. Can Herrera’s bat and defensive skills anchor the lineup? Is a position change on the horizon if catching duties falter?

Key topics include JJ Wetherholt’s surprising No. 5 shortstop ranking despite top prospect status, potential infield and lineup combinations for 2026, and speculation on free agent targets like Austin Hays, Miguel Andújar, Randal Grichuk, and Harrison Bader. JD Hafron also breaks down major MLB trades—Freddy Peralta’s move to the Mets from the Brewers, and MacKenzie Gore’s shift to the Rangers—plus insight on Max Scherzer’s free agency outlook.

0:00 — Yadier Molina’s Return
11:02 — JJ Wetherholt Prospect Ranking
22:31 — MLB Trades & News

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12 comments

  1. I hate to be the one to say this…..And I hope I'm wrong? But the more and more I hear and read on this it just sounds like another gimmick to sell tickets? I still think it will be a excuse to extend Marmol so be won't be viewed as a Lame Duck. Moe 2.0 all over again. I have nothing against Molina. One of the greatest Backstops to play the game……But I wish they would have extended this "Assistant" position to Albert instead.

  4. I might be teh biggest pessimistic person int eh woprld, but I can't foresee Mr. Herrera improving well enough to be the @ #1 catcher. he's in his mid to late 20's now. If he hadn't figured it out by now, I don't see it happening. Yes, he has the BIG right handed bat. BUT he's also trying to do one of hte hardest jobs in baseball, catcher. I don't know that Yadier Molina is the guy to trun him around.

  5. JJ is #3 out of MLB baseball let's Go he did his time at double AA and triple A… a smart man it is definitely time for the JJ show for many Year's to come.. 🤜🤛💥

  8. Glad to hear JD is toning down the enthusiasm on Yadi. I, too, really hope he shows up, but until I see his smiling face in Jupiter I'm going to remain skeptical. That egg ain't hatched yet. Hopefully Yadi's situation has changed enough for him to want to be here this time.

    Grichuk could be a fit, but he turned down a $5 mil mutual option, so I imagine he wants more or more years or both. Plus he wouldn't get nearly as much playing time as he has been getting, so I kinda doubt he'd see the Cards as a fit for him. Unless, of course, no one else is biting, then he might consider it.

  9. why not Tammy Pham? Kidding, already did that. I argue that Kizner saved Yadi's last two seasons and stl thanked him by letting him go. What about Baker? Right handed Bat and never got a real chance! I know the Dodgers signed him lst year but I think he is available.

  10. Oh one other thing. How is Yadi going to coach Puerto Rico in World Classic Baseball and STL in spring training. The last World Classic lead to Cardinals downfall, mainly Wainwright, being hurt and Noot becoming a Star before he earned it.

  11. Unlike many here, I am an optimist. No Fedde! No Mikolas! (Hopefully, no Pallante!) So, it is possible Fitt and May can elevate the projected wins for this season. Of course, that is contingent on a better offense. The young guys need to buck up this season. If Herrera can handle the catching, then all the better. If not.. left field and spot Burly at first.

  12. Walker sucks man, all the way around. He can't hit, it's embarrassing to watch him play the outfield. I mean come on, dude is cooked. Any chance of him being good is long gone.

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