Matt Carpenter has returned to the St. Louis Cardinals, aiming to contribute to their turnaround following a challenging 2023 season. Despite being away for just two years, his joy in rejoining the team is palpable. Interestingly, Carpenter expresses a preference for never having left St. Louis initially.
During the 2010s, Carpenter became a significant figure for the Cardinals, garnering three All-Star selections and a Silver Slugger award in 2013. However, as 2021 approached, his role diminished within the team, and he recognized that his time with them was drawing to a close. The realization that he wouldn’t be able to spend his entire career in St. Louis saddened him deeply.
Reflecting on that period, Carpenter remarked, “Back then, I could foresee the inevitable end of my tenure here. My aspiration was to stay with St. Louis for the entirety of my career, ending on a high note, fulfilling my contract positively, and perhaps even extending my time here through strong performances. Unfortunately, that vision didn’t materialize. There was a profound sense of sorrow, disappointment, and loss. I gave my all… Time has a way of healing many wounds.”
Matt Carpenter still has something left in the tank for Cardinals
After the 2021 season, with Tommy Edman solidifying second base and Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado firmly holding down first and third base respectively, there was no spot left for Carpenter on the Cardinals roster. Consequently, the front office declined his option, leading him to sign a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers in free agency.
Although Carpenter was released by the Rangers, he found success with the New York Yankees, posting impressive numbers over 47 regular-season games (.305 BA, 15 HR, 37 RBI, 1.138 OPS) before suffering a broken left foot due to a foul ball. However, his subsequent stint with the San Diego Padres in 2023 saw a significant drop in his production (.176 BA, 5 HR, 31 RBI, .641 OPS) compared to his time with the Yankees.
Returning to where his career began, Carpenter will now serve as a veteran leader while fulfilling a utility role off the bench for the Cardinals. While fans may be excited to see him back in action, it’s unlikely that Carpenter will reach the level of production he once did, including during his brief tenure with the Yankees.
Nevertheless, having experienced veterans like Carpenter in the locker room is invaluable, especially given his knowledge of what it takes to succeed in St. Louis, despite not being part of their 2011 World Series-winning squad. While it’s regrettable that Carpenter won’t spend his entire career with the Cardinals, his return adds depth and experience to the team, potentially bolstering their chances as a dark horse World Series contender in the National League this year.
