The St. Louis Cardinals have long cherished the presence of veteran catcher Yadier Molina. The seven-time All-Star is under contract through the 2017 season, but his health has become a major issue this offseason.
As a result, rumors find the Cardinals could be searching for his long-term replacement. Molina underwent two thumb surgeries this offseason and played in only 110 games back in 2014 due to a thumb issue.
General manager John Mozeliak has reportedly expressed interest in adding another veteran catcher behind backup Brayan Pena, but he must also consider a catcher to succeed Molina on a full-time basis when the time comes. Prospect Michael Ohlman is one option.
"For Ohlman, the only other catcher currently on the major-league roster, and a handful of non-roster invitees that includes rising star Carson Kelly, the goal is simple. They need to prove the Cards have internal options at catcher now, and down the road," writes Ben Frederickson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "Molina's vulnerability, combined with the departures of catchers Cody Stanley, Ed Easley and Travis Tartamella, has created opportunities. And pressure."
St. Louis acquired Ohlman last February in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles. The 25-year-old spent the 2015 season at Double-A Springfield and hit .273/.356/.418 with 53 runs scored, 12 home runs and 69 RBI in 103 games. His defense could use some polishing, as he committed 11 errors at 97 games at the position.
He's just one option.
"Barring injury, the Cardinals should have sufficient catching coverage through 2017," writes Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com. "That's when Brayan Pena's contract runs out, and it will mark the final guaranteed year in Molina's current deal. The team does hold a 2018 option that would cover Molina's age-35 season as well. But while there may not be an immediate backstop need, this idea of grooming the club's next catcher is going to be a talking point for the next few years. It could be Carson Kelly, the converted catcher who won a Minor League Gold Glove in 2015. Or it may require another Draft commitment by the organization."
On the other hand, Kelly, 21, is a tremendous defensive catcher after transitioning to the position from third base following the 2013 season, but his bat needs a lot of work. He spent the 2015 season at High Class A Palm Beach and hit just .219/.263/.332 with 30 runs scored, 8 home runs and 51 RBI in 108 games. His stat line in 375 career minor league games is just .239/.298/.359.
St. Louis won't have many favorable options in free agency once Molina hits the open market after 2017, so it seems as if it'd be best to start cultivating an heir apparent to succeed the eight-time Gold Glove winner.
If the Cardinals don't feel any of their internal options are the answer, look for Mozeliak to explore the trade market down the road. In the meantime, keep track of those competing for a spot on the MLB roster behind Pena.
