Several St. Louis Cardinals have been away from the team competing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

That includes former players as well as current ones and one of the greatest players in Cardinals history, who saw his team eliminated from the WBC on Saturday.

Puerto Rico, which is managed by former St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina, was beat in the quarterfinal round 8-6 by Italy on Saturday. The loss eliminated Puerto Rico from the international competition. 

Molina was hired this offseason as a special assistant to the president of baseball operations. He'll essentially be a roving catching instructor this season. He'll work stints in the major leagues and minor leagues, specifically with catchers.

Molina will return to Cardinals spring training camp in Jupiter, Fla., and work with the catchers.

Molina has been rumored to be interested in eventually managing in the major leagues and his work with Puerto Rico and his assistant job this offseason will be a good notch in his resume.