Posey vs Molina: The Case for Molina

We may now discuss who had a better career. For different reasons, both catchers deserve a place in the Hall of Fame. And it makes no difference. You may focus on Molina’s historically successful defense or Posey’s outstanding offense. However, considering the other viewpoint is foolish.
Posey was a solid defensive catcher who would have won several Gold Gloves if he hadn’t been in Molina’s league. Posey’s 33% throw-out rate is still acceptable, but it’s lower than Molina’s 41% rate.
Additionally, even if Yadier can’t even approach Posey’s offensive rate figures, Molina’s longevity puts him in a special club. fourth-most hits throughout a career as an MLB catcher. Additionally, he is ranked third in hits on the all-time Cardinal list, behind Lou Brock and Stan Musial. In addition, he is sixth in total bases, fourth in doubles, and sixth in RBIs. It’s acceptable if folks choose to demote Molina due to Posey’s superior hitting ability. I wonder why that matters. I might point out that Posey’s defensive wins above replacement were just 9.8 for his career. He was a fine catcher, but a better hitter. And so what? Still a Hall of Famer, either way. “Counting stars” is dismissed by others, which baffles me. Not in Molina’s situation, anyhow. Indeed, Molina has been a major league player for a long time; his last season was his 19th. He continued to play until he was 41. He should have closed it down a few years ago but wasn’t clinging to it like some pitiful, withered athlete. Molina was still an asset to his squad; just ask any pitcher on the staff. Before Molina retired, the Cardinals had the second-best ERA in baseball since he took over at catcher at the beginning of the 2005 season. And throughout the previous 17 seasons, he has been the lone constant in that equation. Molina threw out 45% of base stealers in 2020 when he was 38 years old. The next season, at age 39, he threw out 41% of base stealers. Additionally, he persisted in suppressing the running game; the Cardinals have had the fewest steal attempts against them of any major league club since Molina took over as the starting catcher full-time in 2005. The margin is also rather large. Even laughable. When the Cardinals gave up the fewest stolen bases in the NL in 2021—and, of course, the fewest steal attempts against them by an NL team—this well-established tendency was once again evident. And while Molina’s career peak on offense was long gone at this time — he was 14 percent below league average offensively over his past three seasons — the Cardinals and their supporters would have told you that they want to see Molina with a bat in his hands for a big position. Over the previous six seasons, he had a.306 average with runners in scoring position; in 2021, he had a.327 average with RISP. Posey’s very brief career shouldn’t be used against him. He was unique. Without him, the Giants would not have won three World Series. Posey decided it was time to move because he was exhausted from playing in such agony and didn’t want to be permanently crippled. Additionally, Molina shouldn’t be demonized because, after catching more than 18,000 MLB innings (including the postseason), he continued to play till the conclusion of his career and displayed growing symptoms of wear and strain. Throughout his time with the Cardinals, Molina led the team and created a winning culture. Players of all ages turn to him for guidance. With 26.8, he is also comfortably positioned as the second-best catcher in all time in terms of defensive wins above replacement. Pudge Rodriguez (29.6) is the only one with more.