The St. Louis Cardinals are welcoming a familiar face back into their roster for the upcoming 2024 MLB season. Matt Carpenter, a seasoned player with a long history in St. Louis, has signed a one-year deal to rejoin the Cardinals.
Welcome back, Matt!
We have signed three-time All-Star INF Matt Carpenter to a one-year contract for the 2024 season.#ForTheLou pic.twitter.com/qtA6d0wCcX
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) January 19, 2024
Carpenter’s return marks his second stint with the team, having originally been a Cardinal for his first 11 MLB seasons from 2011 to 2021. He briefly departed for the 2022 season, suiting up for the New York Yankees, and then spent the 2023 season as part of the San Diego Padres.
Last season, Carpenter’s performance saw him in action for only 76 games, resulting in a .176 batting average, five home runs, and 31 RBIs. However, his tenure with the Cardinals includes a memorable four-year period during which he consistently hit over 20 home runs and maintained a batting average of at least .240.
Throughout his career, Carpenter has accumulated impressive stats, boasting 175 home runs, 644 RBIs, and a career batting average of .260.
The Cardinals are looking to rebound from a challenging 2023 season that saw them finish in last place in the NL Central. Carpenter’s return brings a mix of experience and nostalgia to the team as they aim to regain their competitive edge.