RADIO
Yadier Molina 2020 Outlook: Durability on decline, but still a viable option
5 years agoYadier Molina's plate appearances declined for the third consecutive season, as a strained thumb tendon sent him to the IL at the end of May, and then again in July. All told, he hit .270 with 10 home runs across 419 PA, but his .250/.267/.292 line in 75 PA between IL stints, when he wasn't fully healthy, suppressed his overall numbers. Once Molina returned for good in August, he put up a .285/.352/.449 line with six homers in 176 PA. His skills aren't what they once were, but as long as he's healthy, he should continue to get the vast majority of time behind the plate for the Cardinals. Molina remains a good bet to contribute a solid batting average, particularly for a catcher, along with double-digit home runs. Though he is one of the slowest players in the league, ranking in the fourth percentile in Sprint Speed each of the past two seasons, he even runs a bit. Molina stole six bases in 2019 and has averaged five steals per season over the past five years. Currently being selected as the 14th catcher off the board in NFBC drafts at around pick 234, there's room for profit with Molina this season. Target him in the middle rounds, but realize that at this stage of his career, it's wise to factor in some missed time.
