Two years after his final Major League Baseball game, Puerto Rican baseball legend and confirmed 2026 World Baseball Classic manager Yadier Molina will rejoin the St. Louis Cardinals this weekend — not as a player, but as a guest coach — in a move that resonates with fans of both Major League Baseball and the international game.
'Dream come true': Cardinals catcher Yohel Pozo looking forward to working with Yadier Molina https://t.co/t8EWLmi0Ho
— STL Cardinals News (@STLCardsNews) August 8, 2025
Molina will be in uniform for the Friday and Saturday games of the Cubs series, marking his first time in the Cardinals’ dugout since retiring after the 2022 season.
"Mozeliak wouldn't have agreed to it on his end, but he deferred to Oli 100%."
Bernie gives his insight on Yadier Molina returning to the #STLCards dugout this weekend pic.twitter.com/qNOXROnR9H
— STL Sports Central (@STLSprtsCntrl) August 8, 2025
Title: Cubs Cardinals Baseball
Image ID: 25221000746403
Article: St. Louis Cardinals guest coach Yadier Molina is seen in the dugout before the start of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
The Cardinals shared the news with an image of Molina in a red team pullover and his now-blonde hair visible beneath his cap.
Welcome back, Yadi!
Yadier Molina will be in uniform in the Cardinals dugout as a guest coach tonight and Saturday night! pic.twitter.com/PWZUmm3MCL
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) August 8, 2025
From WBC Dugouts to MLB Benches
Molina, 41, is one of Puerto Rico’s most prominent baseball figures. Since retiring from MLB, he has managed in Puerto Rico’s Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente and led Puerto Rico’s national team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, guiding a roster that featured Francisco Lindor, Javier Báez, and Edwin Díaz.
His WBC Tenure Showcased His Leadership On The Global Stage
It reinforced his reputation as both a tactician and an ambassador for Puerto Rican baseball.
2026 World Baseball Classic Implications
The Federación de Béisbol de Puerto Rico announced in June that Molina will return as manager for the 2026 WBC, his second consecutive tournament at the helm. Puerto Rico will host Pool A at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan from March 6–11, facing Canada, Cuba, Panama, and a qualifier nation.
This weekend’s return to a professional dugout comes just seven months before that opening game. Remaining engaged with major league talent keeps him connected to players who could be part of his WBC roster, while sharpening his in-game preparation for March.
Fan Reaction From a Rival Chicago Cubs Base
The move drew attention even from rival fanbases on Reddit’s r/CHICubs, where one user wrote, “He has long been rumored to be a future manager in Stl. I suspect this is the first step towards that.”
Even among Cubs fans, there was recognition that Molina’s presence in the dugout carries weight.
Puerto Rican Connections in St. Louis
While current Cardinals catcher Iván Herrera is Panamanian, the organization has a long history of Puerto Rican influence — from Molina’s own Hall of Fame-caliber career to the tenure of former infielder and longtime coach José Oquendo.
Yadier Molina speaks to the media before this weekend's series w/ the Cubs:
– Means a lot to be back
– Trying to give advice to catchers
– Coaching is in future
– Tough seeing Cards struggle
– Likes the team, but pitching needs to be more consistent@FOX2now I #ForTheLou pic.twitter.com/wgPr3ENJXC— Jordan Williams (@JordanWilltv) August 8, 2025
Molina’s return adds another chapter to that legacy, bridging his MLB success with his role in advancing Puerto Rican baseball on the international stage.
One of the Game’s Most Decorated Catchers
Over 19 seasons, Molina earned nine Gold Gloves, two World Series championships, and 10 All-Star selections. His defensive excellence and mastery in guiding pitching staffs made him a model for catchers worldwide.
His role this weekend is more than ceremonial — it’s a continuation of a career built on leadership, preparation, and representing Puerto Rico at the highest levels of the game.
Where to Watch
Game 1: Friday, August 8 – 8:15 p.m. ET – Busch Stadium – St. Louis, MO
Pitching Matchup: Matthew Boyd (CHC) vs. Michael McGreevy (STL)
TV: MLB Network (national), FDSMW, MARQ
Live Stream: MLB.TV (blackout restrictions may apply)
Game 2: Saturday, August 9 – 7:15 p.m. ET – Busch Stadium – St. Louis, MO
Pitching Matchup: Colin Rea (CHC) vs. Andre Pallante (STL)
TV: FOX (national)
Live Stream: FOX Sports app, MLB.TV (blackout restrictions may apply)
Game 3: Sunday, August 10 – 2:15 p.m. ET – Busch Stadium – St. Louis, MO
Pitching Matchup: Shota Imanaga (CHC) vs. Sonny Gray (STL)
TV: Peacock (national, streaming only)
Live Stream: Peacock app (subscription required)
