MLB Rumors: Yadier Molina's 'Fallback Options' Include Nationals, Padres

Yadier Molina is reportedly keeping his options open, as the nine-time All-Star continues to seek a contract for the 2021 season.

Per MLB Network's Jon Heyman, Molina has the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres among his list of potential "fallback options." Heyman also noted that "it makes sense" for Molina and the St. Louis Cardinals to agree on a new deal, "but in free agency you never know."

Molina has spent his entire career with the Cardinals since being selected by the organization in the fourth round of the 2000 Major League Baseball draft. 

While both sides have expressed a desire to remain together next season, there does appear to be a difference in how much Molina wants and what the Cardinals will offer. 

Per Mark Saxon of The Athletic, Molina's camp recently rejected an offer from St. Louis that they deemed to be "ridiculous."

Saxon noted that Molina is "believed to be seeking at least a one-year, $10 million deal with a 2022 option."

Other potential suitors that Heyman mentioned include the Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees. 

Molina, 38, has won nine Gold Glove awards in 17 seasons. He remains a solid hitter at this stage of his career, posting a .262/.303/.359 slash line in 42 games last year. 

The Nationals and Padres both have playoff aspirations in 2021. Yan Gomes is a free agent this offseason, leaving an opening for a starter in Washington. The Padres have Austin Nola capable of playing catcher, but he can also handle multiple infield positions.