Former Padres Infielder Aims for a 15th MLB Season
In December 2024, veteran infielder Matt Carpenter, a former member of the San Diego Padres, expressed his desire to return for a 15th season in Major League Baseball. Known for his time with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he became a franchise star, Carpenter’s journey over the past few years has seen him navigate some tough times, but he’s determined to continue playing at the highest level.
In 2023, Carpenter, who had enjoyed a successful career primarily with the Cardinals, found himself struggling with the Padres. He had joined San Diego after stints with the New York Yankees and the Cardinals, but his 2023 season was challenging. Carpenter played in 76 games, but his batting average was a low .176, a far cry from his earlier seasons. After this rough stretch, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves but was released shortly thereafter. Despite the setback, Carpenter was hopeful for a return to St. Louis for the 2024 season, where he had previously spent over a decade.
Carpenter’s role in 2024 was largely as a designated hitter and pinch hitter, with minimal time spent in the field. Defensively, he logged just a handful of innings at various infield positions, including first base, second base, and third base. According to both FanGraphs and Baseball Reference, his overall performance in 2024 was below replacement level. Still, his experience and leadership in the clubhouse were highly valued by the Cardinals, who brought him back on a one-year deal worth $740,000.
Despite the rough patch in 2023, Carpenter is far from ready to call it quits. As he looks toward 2025, he remains determined to extend his career and continue contributing to a major league roster. During the MLB Winter Meetings in Dallas, Carpenter made it clear that his primary goal was to bring value to any team that would offer him a chance to play. In an interview on MLB Network, he expressed his belief that he still has a lot to offer, especially in terms of leadership and mentoring younger players. “At this point in my career, I feel like I can bring a lot of value to a major league roster,” Carpenter stated. He emphasized the importance of sharing his experiences, particularly when it comes to developing strategies for facing opposing pitchers and building team approaches.
While Carpenter’s comments might suggest a future in coaching or mentoring, he is confident that his playing career isn’t over yet. He still feels capable of contributing on the field, and his mindset is focused on playing for as long as he can. “I’m not ready to give up just yet,” he said, reinforcing his desire to continue playing professionally.
Carpenter’s ideal scenario for 2025 would be returning to the Cardinals, even if it meant taking on a similar part-time role to the one he had in 2024. He expressed a sense of satisfaction with the role he played during the 2024 season, where he contributed as a veteran presence without being a full-time starter. Carpenter explained that he felt he had performed well within the confines of that role and understood the larger picture of what it meant to be a veteran leader on the roster. He mentioned his openness to taking on the same type of part-time role again, should the opportunity arise.
Looking back on his career, Carpenter has had a decorated tenure in the major leagues. He made three All-Star appearances with the Cardinals, in 2013, 2014, and 2016. He earned National League MVP votes multiple times, including in 2013, 2015, and 2018. Carpenter was also part of the Cardinals’ 2013 World Series team, where the team made a deep playoff run, and he had a role in St. Louis’ 2011 championship season, where he made seven appearances as a rookie. His time in St. Louis was marked by consistent offensive production, including notable seasons where he served as the team’s primary power hitter and an on-base machine.
Carpenter’s contributions to the Cardinals over the years were substantial, and he remains a beloved figure in St. Louis for his ability to come through in big moments and his leadership in the clubhouse. His versatility, both offensively and defensively, allowed him to adapt to various roles as the team’s needs changed over time. Even as his playing time has diminished in recent seasons, his presence in the clubhouse has remained an asset to the teams he has played for.
Though the 2023 season didn’t go as planned for Carpenter, the veteran has shown resilience throughout his career. He has faced adversity before and bounced back stronger, and it seems that he’s not ready to let go of the game just yet. His drive to continue playing, coupled with his leadership skills, makes him an appealing option for teams looking for experienced depth and a player who can provide insight to younger teammates.
As Carpenter looks to the future, it’s clear that his passion for the game and his desire to continue contributing are as strong as ever. Whether as a part-time player or in a more limited role, he hopes to continue making an impact on the field and in the locker room. His 15th MLB season would be another chapter in a career that has already been filled with accomplishments and milestones. If 2025 is indeed his final season, Carpenter is determined to go out on his own terms, having left everything he could on the field.
