Cardinals Reportedly 'Longshot' To Bring Legend In As Coach Despite Speculation

It sounds like the St. Louis Cardinals may not end up bringing in a familiar face as a coach in 2024.

St. Louis struggled in 2024. That certainly is an understatement. The Cardinals had World Series aspirations but instead finished in last place in the National League Central with just 71 wins. St. Louis needs to completely go back to the drawing board and make organizational changes if the club wants to get back to the postseason and compete for a World Series. 

There are plenty of questions the team needs to address this offseason. Who will remain in the starting lineup? Who will the club add this offseason? It's unclear. Another possibility that has popped up recently is longtime Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina returning to the organization as a coach. Although there has been plenty of speculation, a move is a "longshot" according to USA Today Sports' Bob Nightengale.

"The Cardinals are speaking to future Hall of Fame catcher Yadier Molina about a potential major-league coaching job, but it appears to be a longshot," Nightengale said.

Molina has been linked to the Cardinals on multiple occasions over the last few weeks. He is a beloved Cardinals legend who seemingly could be a leader in the organization again very easily. Plus, there have been questions about catcher Willson Contreras' defense which Molina could help him work on. 

It's unclear exactly what discussions have been held, but Molina has made it clear that he's interested in returning to the club in some role. A move could still happen but at this point, it may be unlikely.