Cardinals, Yadier Molina progressing on extension

The Cardinals are making “major progress” on an extension for catcher Yadier Molina, reports Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports. The sides may be close to coming to agreement.

Molina has been seen as a strong candidate for an extension throughout all of spring training, and set an Opening Day deadline for a deal to get done. The 34-year old’s deal includes a mutual option for 2018, though a new deal would likely keep him in St. Louis for three or four additional seasons.

Heyman reports that Molina originally wanted a four-year deal before the Cards countered with a two-year offer, meaning a three-year compromise would make logical sense. Molina will make $14 million this year, but will likely earn more annually if the new deal goes through.

Molina has been with the Cardinals since 2004, and has been an All-Star in seven of the last eight seasons while winning eight Gold Gloves and receiving MVP votes in five campaigns. He hit .307/.360/.427 with eight homers in 147 games for the Cards last year.