The St. Louis Cardinals heard Yadier Molina say he was intrigued by the possibility of becoming a free agent, and they apparently didn’t like it.
Just on Saturday, Molina said he would not negotiate a contract extension during the season and that he was intrigued by the possibility of becoming a free agent.
Two days later, FanRag Sports’ Jon Heyman reports that the sides are making progress on a contract extension. Heyman says Molina wanted a four-year deal, while the Cardinals countered at two. They reportedly are meeting in the middle.
Molina is set to make $14 million this season. His contract includes a mutual $15 million option for next season, with a $2 million buyout. Molina likely feels he is worth more than that.
Buster Posey is the highest-paid catcher this season at $22.1 million, while Russell Martin at $20 million and Brian McCann at $17 million are all making more than Yadi, who is arguably the best all-around catcher in the game. He is due for a raise.
