St. Louis Cardinals, Yadier Molina Nearing Extension

The St. Louis Cardinals and catcher Yadier Molina are nearing a contract extension, according to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. A source tells Strauss the two sides have had enough significant movement in contract talks, which could mean an agreement may be reached within a week.

The club exercised Molina's $7 million 2012 club option, but he is set to hit free agency after the upcoming season. If he tests the market, he would undoubtedly be able to earn more $7 million on a one-year deal.

The third and youngest of the famous Molina brothers had a breakout 2011 campaign as he helped the Cardinals win the World Series. The 29-year-old hit .305/.349/.465 with 14 home runs and 32 doubles in 518 plate appearances. Molina is arguably the best defensive catcher in the game, and the bat finally caught up with the glove this past season.

• Twitter / @JoeStrauss: Movement on Molina is significant enough that source familiar w/situation believes agreement could be reached w/in a week.