Matt Carpenter’s St. Louis Homecoming
Photo Credit: Jeff Roberson, AP
The St. Louis Cardinals are bringing back veteran Matt Carpenter on a one-year deal.
Finishing under .500 for the first time since 2007, the St. Louis Cardinals had a horrendous 2023 season. After a very slow start, they never seemed able to find their rhythm and they held the last place spot in the National League (NL) Central division for the majority of the year. This was in spite of a powerful offense led by seven-time All-Star Nolan Arenado and reigning MVP Paul Goldschmidt. Age was often blamed for the lack of success, but the Cardinals do not seem to agree as they have already signed two veteran pitchers in 36-year-old Sonny Gray and 38-year-old Lance Lynn this offseason. On Friday, January 19th, 2024, they continued that trend and brought in the familiar face that is 38-year-old Matt Carpenter.
Photo Credit: Will Newton, Getty Images
Carpenter played his first 11 seasons in a Cardinals uniform, appearing in three All-Star games and earning a few MVP votes. He was special to all Cardinals fans, and they were sad to see him go in 2021 as his contract ended, but his numbers were certainly beginning to show his age and regression. For the 2022 season, the New York Yankees eventually signed him to a one-year deal to be a designated hitter (DH) where he seemed to rediscover his youth. For 47 games, Matt Carpenter slashed .305/.412/.727, hitting 15 home runs to set himself on a pace for 51. Unfortunately, this amazing comeback season was suddenly halted by a fractured foot. Carpenter would not play the rest of the 2022 season.
Carpenter’s hot streak in the Bronx opened him up to various opportunities for the 2023 season as many teams wanted to see if they could access the magic that the Yankees found in him. The San Diego Padres came out on top signing Carpenter to a $6.5 million one-year deal with a $5 million player deal for the following season. The Padres gamble did not pay off, however, as Carpenter only played 76 games, slashing .176/.322/.319 with five homers. Following the season, he was sent in a trade package to the Braves but was released by them only three days later.
Photo Credit: Meg McLaughlin, The San Diego Union-Tribune
The Cardinals saw the opportunity to reaquire one of their former staple players at league minimum price and hopped right on it. With age and the recent injuries, the Cardinals are probably not looking for a huge offensive boost, but rather a moral boost from a proven clubhouse leader. It could be the bump this team needs to outplay their expectations in a competitive NL Central division. Matt Carpenter’s homecoming will certainly get Cardinals fans excited, and it’s a guarantee that Busch Stadium will be roaring for his first at-bat back.
