The St. Louis Cardinals made a surprising move Friday.
St. Louis opened up a roster spot by transferring right-handed pitcher James Naile to the KIA Tigers and some speculated that another roster move could be coming. It didn't take too long for one to come to fruition as the club officially signed former Cardinal Matt Carpenter to a one-year contract, according to the club.
"We have signed three-time All-Star (infielder) Matt Carpenter to a one-year contract for the 2024 season," the club said.
Carpenter was selected by St. Louis in the 13th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft. He eventually made his big league debut with St. Louis in 2011. Carpenter didn't make the club's postseason roster after playing just seven games at the big league level but was awarded a World Series championship ring after St. Louis took home the championship that season.
He developed into an All-Star while playing for the Cardinals and earned three appearances in 11 seasons with St. Louis. Carpenter left the Cardinals after the 2021 season and has spent time with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres.
Carpenter certainly is an intriguing pickup. He struggled last season with the Padres but was very solid with the Yankees in 2022. While with New York, Carpenter clubbed 15 home runs, drove in 37 runs, and slashed .305/.412/.727 in just 47 games played.
If he could play at that level, he could be a very solid depth piece for St. Louis in 2024.
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