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.
