Yadier Molina recently indicated that he would be willing to discuss a contract extension with the Cardinals during the season, but the impending free agent is apparently going to follow the example of his friend and former teammate Albert Pujols.
Molina’s agent, Melvin Roman, told Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that his client plans to cut off contract talks once the regular season begins.
“Once the season starts he’s just going to concentrate on the game, play hard to win every game and try to bring another championship to the city.” Roman said. “After the season, I’m sure we would probably still discuss things.”
Roman will remain in Jupiter, Florida for the next several days and hasn’t dismissed the possibility that progress could be made prior to Opening Day, but Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has downplayed the possibility of an agreement.
Molina, who turns 30 in July, has already said that he’s not going to offer any hometown discount to the Cards and Strauss suggests that he’s likely looking for at least a five-year extension worth in excess of $10 million per season.
