Jose Molina, Retired


Date of Birth: 6/3/1975
Birthplace: Bayamon, Puerto Rico

Jose Molina is the younger brother of former major league catcher Bengie Molina and the older brother of the St. Louis Cardinals' catcher, Yadier Molina. Like his brothers, Jose is known for his excellent defensive skills.

Molina was first drafted in 1993 by the Chicago Cubs. He played in their minor league system from 1993 through 2000, joining the Cubs for just 10 games in 1999. He became a free agent in 2001 and he signed a contract with the Los Angeles Angels. That season, he played in just 15 games with the Angels.

In 2002, Molina became the backup catcher to his brother Bengie, the Angels' regular catcher. He played in just 29 games that season. From 2003 through 2006, Molina never played in more than 78 games with the Angels.

After 40 games with the Angels in 2007, they traded him to the New York Yankees. In 2008, Molina finally had the chance to play in 100 games, batting .216 with 58 hits and 17 doubles. Although his offensive play was mediocre, he had an excellent year behind the plate. As a catcher in 97 games in 2008, Molina made 52 assists, 634 putouts, and 3 errors with a .996 fielding percentage. He caught players trying to steal 44% of the time.

In February, 2010, Molina signed a one-year contract with the Blue Jays. The contract included a $1.2 million option for 2011. He played in 57 games with the Blue Jays in 2010 and 55 games in 2011.

Molina signed a one-year contract with the Rays in November, 2011. In 2012, he again had a good defensive season, making 41 assists, 657 putouts, and 4 errors with a .994 fielding percentage. That year, he caught players trying to steal 32.8% of the time.

In December, 2013, Molina signed a two-year, $2.5 million contract with the Rays. He finished the 2014 season with 40 hits and a .178 batting average in 80 games.

On November 20, 2014, the Rays designated Molina for assignment.

Molina was hired by the Los Angeles Angels as a minor league catching coach on November 6, 2015.

Career batting statistics for Molina through 2014 include:

  • 947 games played
  • 592 hits
  • 117 doubles
  • 223 RBIs
  • 576 strikeouts to 154 walks
  • .233 batting average

Career fielding statistics for Molina as a catcher through 2014 include:

  • 915 games played
  • 441 assists
  • 6,033 putouts
  • 39 errors
  • .366 caught stealing percentage
  • .994 fielding percentage

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Jose Molina
ESPN - Jose Molina