Matt Carpenter, a potential Cardinals Hall of Famer, is retiring from baseball. Few players helped shape the 2010s for the St. Louis Cardinals as much as Carpenter did.
After an amazing 13-year career, Carpenter stated on the Sports Spectrum podcast today that he was hanging up his boots, but there was still optimism that he might land another major league job this season.
Matt Carpenter has officially retired from baseball and will soon be a Cardinals Hall of Famer
Carpenter was not a top prospect who was expected to be the “next big thing” when he was selected in the 13th round in the 2009 Texas Christian University draft. After a small taste of major league play in 2011, he excelled for the Cardinals in his complete rookie season in 2012, recording a 124 wRC+ and slashing.294/.365/.463, which placed him sixth in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.
Carpenter’s breakthrough season occurred during his sophomore year in 2013, when he slashed.318/.392/.481 with 11 home runs, 55 doubles, 78 RBI, and 126 runs, leading the Cardinals to a World Series appearance and finishing fourth in the National League Most Valuable Player rankings. In addition to being one of the best lead-off hitters in baseball, Carpenter’s versatility with the Cardinals increased his worth even more.
Carpenter was one of the Cardinals’ most vital players from 2012 to 2018, playing a crucial role in their lineup throughout their run of three NLCS appearances and a World Series appearance from 2012 to 2014. He received one Silver Slugger award, three All-Star selections, and three MVP vote finishes in the top 12 during his tenure with the Cardinals.
Carpenter had a.261/.366/.466 (.812 OPS) with 159 HR, 308 2B, 767 R, and 659 RBI over 12 seasons with St. Louis. Carpenter will undoubtedly be inducted on the first ballot of the Cardinals Hall of Fame whenever he is eligible. Fans got to enjoy one final run with Carpenter in 2024 when he was brought back in a reserve position, as Carpenter played the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres.
Carpenter deserves a huge congratulations for his amazing major league career. He contributed to some of the greatest years of Cardinals baseball, played the game the right way, and was a fantastic role model for young people. We’ll keep you informed about any developments in his post-playing career!
