Reds vs Cardinals: Preview, pitching matchups and prediction

Is this the end of the line for this Reds killer?

For 17 years, Yadier Molina has left Reds Country screaming at their television and radio as it seems he takes special delight in terrorizing the Cincinnati Reds. As much as Cincinnati fans attempt to deny it, Molina and Giants backstop Buster Posey have been the preeminent catchers in the NL for the better part of a decade. The nine-time All-Star has done plenty to earn the ire of the Reds faithful.

His 110 career RBIs versus the Reds are his most against any opponent and his 24 homers are second only to the 26 he’s hit when facing the Milwaukee Brewers. Throw in a slash line of .289/.328/.448 and you get the picture. No amount of booing of Molina has kept him from crushing the Reds hearts regularly every year.

However, could it all be coming to end? The nine-time Gold Glove recipient is 38-years old and entering the final year of his contract. Calm down, because chances are Reds Country will have to deal with Molina for at least one more season.

The No. 4 prospect in the Cardinals system is catcher Ivan Herrera. The 20-year-old has not yet played above Advanced-A ball and is not projected to make his MLB debut until the 2022 season. Don’t be surprised to see the Cardinals offer a two-year deal to Yadi in the offseason to once again be their full-time backstop in 2021 before handing over the reins to his successor.