Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals Make Special Yadier Molina Reunion for Cubs Series

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Graves | Last updated Aug 8, 2025 5:29 PM ET

It's been a challenging, transitional season for the St. Louis Cardinals. The trade deadline brought a wave of roster changes to a retooling franchise. The front office is preparing for a leadership turnover, and they're trying to develop their next core while staying competitive in the National League Central.

With the president of baseball operations John Mozeliak set to step down at the end of the season and Chaim Bloom taking over, the emphasis has shifted toward player development. Manager Oli Marmol is guiding a roster that’s leaned heavily on younger talent since the deadline, with one year remaining on his contract and speculation swirling about the future.

This weekend, though, Busch Stadium will get a boost of energy from a familiar face. According to Katie Woo of The Athletic , Cardinals legend Yadier Molina will be in uniform as a guest coach for the team’s three-game series against the Chicago Cubs — his first appearance in a Cardinals uniform since retiring in 2022.

Molina informed Mozeliak and Marmol earlier this year that he'd be attending the series. Both quickly invited him to the dugout.

“My response was an easy one: Absolutely,” Marmol told Woo. “Anytime you get the chance to have someone like Yadi around your players, you take it. It’s good for the players, good for the staff, and honestly, it’s great for the fans too.”

While he won't have a defined role, the 10-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion is expected to work with catchers Pedro Pagés and Yohel Pozo. Molina, who will manage Team Puerto Rico in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, remains a beloved figure in St. Louis. For one weekend, he's back where he made his name.