Just a few days after he was traded to the Atlanta Braves, former San Diego Padres infielder Matt Carpenter is looking for a new home. The veteran was released by the Braves on Monday and is now free to sign with whichever team he likes.
"Atlanta obtained Carpenter along with left-hander Ray Kerr from the Padres on Friday for outfielder Drew Campbell. As part of the trade, the Padres agreed to pay the Braves $1.5 million. That covers part of Carpenter's $5.5 million salary for next season."
With both the Padres and Braves covering his owed $5.5 million salary for 2024, any team can sign Carpenter for the league minimum. He may be able to provide a team with some veteran experience and the ability to DH and play multiple positions.
The 37-year-old infielder struggled during his time with the Padres. He hit just .176 with five home runs and 31 runs batted in over 76 games. It was the second sub-replacement level full-season performance in a career that began in 2011.
But a team giving Carpenter the league minimum may be willing to take a chance on him for next season. After all, he did find his swing in 2022, hitting .305 with 15 home runs and 37 runs batted in only 47 games with the New York Yankees.
If Carpenter can find a way to be even remotely close to his 2022 self, whoever signs him will be getting a steal.
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