In January, Matt Carpenter signed a one-year contract to rejoin the St. Louis Cardinals, the team he played for from 2011 to 2021.
The infielder, who is now much older, will serve as more of a bench warmer and role model for the Cards, and he seems eager to take on those responsibilities.
“You know what, my main goal is to teach these young guys what it’s like to play for the Cardinals, how to be a professional, and of course,
win games. But even with that, I’m here to compete, hopefully at a high level, and to add value to the field when my name is called.”
Though he may not be the same talent as before, the 38-year-old is still a career.260 hitter and a three-time All-Star.
Carpenter was a major factor in the success of the Cardinals in the 2010s, so it’s safe to say that supporters of the team have happy memories of him.
Matt Carpenter hit just.176 overall in 2023 while playing for the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres, but his swing encouraged Cardinals Vice President John Mozeliak, and the two teams ended up getting back together. Through MLB.com:
“The one thing Matt Carpenter always has is his ability to see baseballs and his ability to still go for walks. Even so, that’s still a really good skill, and his swing is encouraging.
Carpenter, who plays first base and outfield most of the time today, should have plenty of at-bats in 2024.
He will undoubtedly be a great addition in St. Louis, both on the field and in the clubhouse, as he is familiar with Cardinal culture.
