JUPITER, Fla. -- The Cardinals and Gold Glove catcher Yadier Molina are close to agreement on a multi-year extension likely to make Molina the seventh catcher in the game's history to realize a deal with an average annual value exceeding $10 million.

The Cardinals remain engaged in talks with Molina's agent, Melvin Roman, who has remained in town for nearly a week. Roman arrived shortly after his client hinted at a breakdown in negotiations but "positive momentum" has since been achieved, according to a source familiar with talks.

Molina expressed a desire to remain in St. Louis shortly after arriving in camp more than 10 days before pitchers and catchers were scheduled to officially report. Entering the final installment of a five-year deal that pays him $7 million for the upcoming season, Molina last year led the Cardinals in hitting while also earning a Rawlings Platinum Glove awarded the league's top defender.

Team officials declined comment Monday regarding the status of talks except to deny a rumor that a deal was already in place. Roman did not return a phone message Monday afternoon but did confirm to Fox Sports that the sides are progressing toward an agreement. A source familiar with talks said the extension should be finalized no later than Friday.

Both sides prefer to have the matter resolved before the Cardinals begin exhibition play. Roman insisted last week that negotiations would cease should a deal remain elusive by Opening Day. Soon afterward, the sides began to narrow differences in length of contract and AAV. Molina, 29, is expected to receive a potential five-year deal.

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