The St. Louis Cardinals organization made their first commitment to the 2026 season when Chaim Bloom announced that manager Oliver Marmol would be returning to the dugout next year. As expected, fans that are mostly disconnected with reality were shocked by this decision, despite Marmol being under contract for another season and the understanding that he had to work through roster construction malpractice from above.

The instant reaction on social media was that fans either understood the decision or could not believe that the Cardinals could make yet another boneheaded decision for a 2026 campaign that may not hold much relevance to the big picture. There was really no chance they would move on from Marmol while also undergoing massive changes throughout the organization, but the decision to keep him made fans believe that the Cardinals were missing out on other quality managerial candidates.

This became a bigger point of discussion when it was rumored that Cardinals’ legend Albert Pujols was the frontrunner for the managerial gig in Anaheim, but it turned out that was less than a sure thing. Then came the news that Skip Schumaker, a former Marmol staff member, would be named the manager for the Rangers, and that again came with the outcry that the Cardinals were already shooting themselves in the foot. The manager carousel around the league then brought up the discussion that Yadier Molina, who has been connected with a dugout role for the Cardinals since he retired, would find a coaching job somewhere other than St. Louis. Turns out, that was also an incorrect sentiment.

Yadier Molina in talks to join Oliver Marmol’s coaching staff

Late last night, El Vocero, a Puerto Rican publication, posted an article saying that Cardinal legend Yadier Molina was in conversation with the organization about joining Marmol’s staff. Twice this season, Molina was in the dugout as a staff member, showing that Marmol and he already had a relationship. In both instances, Marmol personally invited Molina to join him on staff.

Nothing has been made official to this point, but the article says, “Right now, we’re in contact with St. Louis to coach the Cardinals and help Marmol. He’s still the manager, but I’d be there by his side.” Without mentioning a specific role, it is anyone’s guess as to what coaching spot he would take. With Daniel Descalsco being seen as a potential managerial candidate across the league, Molina could potentially slot in as Marmol’s bench coach and help with the game management portion. The Cardinals have also had severe problems throwing base runners, so he could also join the ranks as a catching coach.

While it has not been finalized, the fact that Molina has twice joined Marmol in the dugout and has publicly announced his desire to coach in St. Louis, it seems like we will be seeing #4 much more regularly next season. Without any previous major league managing experience, taking a lower stress coaching job to kick off his post-playing career makes sense. Even though he obviously has a great feel for the game and how to work a locker room, things may change as he takes on more of a leadership role.