Yadier Molina pushing back retirement due to coronavirus

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina was set to retire after this season, but with the coronavirus pandemic causing concerns that the 2020 MLB season may be shortened or even be canceled, the 38-year-old is ready to push back retirement.

"I previously said that, if it wasn't with St. Louis, that I would go home. If we were unable to come to an extension agreement, that I would retire. But the situation with this pandemic has changed everything. Right now, I'm thinking of playing two more years," Molina said, according to ESPN's Marly Rivera.

"Obviously, St. Louis is my first option. But if they don't sign me, then I'm willing to go into free agency. This situation has changed my mentality and all I want to do is play."

This season would be Molina's 16th with the Cardinals, and it'd be unfortunate to see him depart the organization for another team in 2021.

Molina is regarded as one of the best catchers in the league, and he's won two World Series titles, nine Gold Gloves and is a nine-time All-Star. 

If he signs with another team in free agency, the Cardinals will have to rely on Matt Wieters or another free-agent catcher available in the market. 

It would be nice to see Molina continue his legacy in St. Louis, but they may not be willing to extend him past 2020.