After spending one season with the San Diego Padres, Matt Carpenter is headed back to St. Louis after signing a one-year free-agent contact on Friday.
Carpenter, who was drafted by the Cardinals in 2009, was a three-time All Star and received MVP votes in 2013, 2015 and 2018. He spent 11 years there before signing with the New York Yankees in 2022 and Padres in 2023.
The Padres traded him in December to Atlanta and the Braves granted him his release shortly after.
In San Diego, Carpenter batted .176 with five home runs, 31 runs batted in, 18 runs scored and a .641 OPS in 76 games. He saw playing time as both a first baseman and designated hitter.
“When you think of players that helped shape our success in the 2000s, Matt Carpenter’s name is one that is synonymous with winning. Matt showed from the very beginning of his career how hard work and determination can lead to success, and we are excited to have his leadership and experience back in a Cardinals uniform.”
Cardinals President of Baseball Operations John Mozeliak via MLB.com
Carpenter's deal is for the league minimum, $740,000 and the Braves will pay his remaining two-year, $12 million deal he signed with the Padres before the 2023 season.
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