Yadier Molina is returning to the St. Louis Cardinals. The club has reportedly signed the nine-time All-Star catcher to a one-year deal worth nine-million-dollars. Molina will be entering his 18th season with St. Louis. The 38-year-old hit .262 with four home runs during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
Major League Baseball is making changes to its baseballs in an effort to reduce the soaring home run totals. The Athletic obtained a memo sent to front offices last week outlining the changes which are intended to “deaden” the ball. The report also says five more teams will begin using a humidor to store balls at their home parks.
Major League Baseball will also be keeping two rules this year that were implemented during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. MLB Network reports doubleheaders will again feature seven-inning games and extra-inning games will start with a runner on second base. There will be no universal designated hitter this season after the National League used a full-time DH for the first time ever last year. The league is on target for a full 162-game season, with spring training starting February 17th and Opening Day on April 1st.