In 2018, Yadier Molina defied Father Time again, for another season. He did so despite missing time for nearly the worst thing possible - a torn ligament in his private parts. OUCH. (For reference, I advise against taking a foul tipped 105-mph pitch off of your testicles in the future.)
From 2014-2018 at ages 31-35, Yadier Molina has put up league average offensive statistics - as a catcher who catches more games than any other catcher. That’s absolutely incredible.
Yadier Molina, while catching more than them, hit:
.280/.326/.409/.735 with
56 runs, 30 doubles, 1 triple, 13 homers, 72 RBI
5 SB, and 3 CS per 600 PA
And he did that at a park that suppresses RH power. Unbelievable.
Here is the average catcher line in that same 5-year span (per 600 PA):
I think the Cardinals will likely hit Yadier Molina 6th this year - or will be at their best hitting him there or below. In the last 5 years, the average 6th hitter per 600 PA put up this line:
All of that lead up is to get to this. My projection system’s line for Yadier Molina in 2019 is as follows:
536 PA
.272/.323/.425/.747
56 runs, 26 doubles, 1 triple, 16 homers, 72 RBI
12.5% K rate, 5.6% BB rate, 5 steals, 3 caught
That puts him right in line with a 6th hitter, league wide. In fact, it’s somewhat favorable against them...and that at 36 years old. I’ll take it in a heart beat.
What can be pointed out to show that things CAN be better than that?!?"
The last three years have all been at a .750 OPS or better. He hit 18 homers in 2017 and 20 homers in 2018. He’s had more RBI than that each of the last two years.
How/If things go wrong:
He’s 36. Eventually father time will catch up to him. Eventually. When? I know I wouldn’t go out and bet against Yadi. Ever. But sadly, father time never loses.