Matt Carpenter, a veteran infielder who became a St. Louis Cardinals staple, announced his retirement today, May 14, 2025, on Sports Spectrum’s Get In The Game podcast. After 14 seasons in the majors, the 39-year-old is hanging up his cleats, reflecting on a career filled with highs, lows, and a whole lot of heart. “I was very fortunate enough to play for some great organizations,” Carpenter told former MLB pitcher Scott Linebrink, mentioning his time with the Cardinals, a brief stint with the Yankees, and a season with the Padres. He thanked his family and said he’s “excited for what’s next,” closing the chapter on a journey that saw him evolve from a 13th-round pick to a three-time All-Star.
Carpenter’s career kicked off with the Cardinals, who drafted him in 2009. He debuted in 2011—the year St. Louis won its last World Series—but his real breakout came in 2012. As a 26-year-old rookie, he hit .294 with a .365 on-base percentage, showing off his versatility by playing five positions while finishing sixth in NL Rookie of the Year voting. His best year came in 2013, when he slashed .318/.392/.481, smacked 11 homers, and led the league with 199 hits and 126 runs. That season, he earned his first All-Star nod, finished fourth in NL MVP voting, and racked up 7.2 fWAR—his career high. The Cardinals made it to the World Series that year, falling to the Red Sox, but Carpenter’s postseason struggles (.217 average) didn’t dim his regular-season shine.
The Cards locked him up with a $52 million extension through 2019, and Carpenter delivered, especially from 2015 to 2018. He turned up the power, blasting 108 homers over those four years while slashing .260/.376/.497—a 135 wRC+ that made him a fan favorite. But things took a turn in 2019. A $39 million extension for 2020-21 backfired as his production dipped—his wRC+ fell to 96 in 2019, 85 in 2020, and a dismal 68 in 2021. The Cardinals bought him out for $2 million in 2022, sending him to free agency at age 36.
Many thought he was done, but Carpenter had other plans. After revamping his swing with help from Joey Votto, he signed with the Yankees and turned back the clock, hitting 15 homers in 47 games with a .305/.412/.727 line—a scorching 216 wRC+. A fractured foot cut that run short, and his playoff return was rough, striking out in 9 of 12 plate appearances. The Padres bet on him with a two-year, $12 million deal in 2023, but he struggled, hitting .176 before being traded to Atlanta and released. He returned to St. Louis in 2024, battling injuries but managing a .234 average and 95 wRC+ in 59 games—his final act as a big-league player.
Carpenter’s career stats tell the story of a grinder: a .259 average, 1,257 hits, 179 homers, 659 RBIs, and 813 runs over 1,511 games. His 13.4% walk rate gave him a .366 on-base percentage, and his 125 wRC+ shows he was a well-above-average hitter. He earned $100 million, made three All-Star teams, and posted 31.5 fWAR. For Cardinals fans, he’ll always be the guy who gave everything for the Birds on the Bat, and while he never got that elusive ring, his legacy in St. Louis is one of grit and determination. What’s next for Carpenter? Only time will tell, but he’s walking away with his head held high.
