Yadier Molina, one of the top defensive catchers in the major leagues, agreed Monday to a $15.5 million, four-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. The 25-year-old had asked for a raise from $525,000 to $2.75 million in salary arbitration, and the Cardinals had offered $1.85 million. Molina gets a $250,000 signing bonus, $1.75 million this year, $3.25 million in 2009, $4.25 million in 2010, and $5.25 million in 2011. The deal includes a $7 million club option for 2012 with a $750,000 buyout, and the option increases to $7.5 million if he is traded.