Ad News Live
May 14, 2025
Matt Carpenter Retirement: After 14 seasons and one of the most successful careers in Cardinals history, Matt Carpenter has officially declared his retirement from pro baseball.
The Cardinals thank Carpenter for all he has done for the team. All his contribution with the Cardinals will never be forgotten.
He brought a unique energy and excitement for everyone to see and we are all sure to miss him, just as he is missed by the game of baseball we know and love.
Carpenter shared the news of his retirement during a podcast episode, where he was catching up with his former teammate, Scott Linebrink.
It was a heartfelt moment for both of them as he revealed his decision.
Over the course of 14 seasons in the major leagues, Carpenter dedicated 12 of those years to the St. Louis Cardinals.
READ ALSO
Nissan Layoffs Hit 20,000 Amid Huge Losses
He was drafted by the team in the 13th round of the 2009 MLB Draft and made his big league debut in 2011, although that first year saw him with just 19 plate appearances.
Carpenter was 25 when he stepped onto the scene, which is a bit on the older side for a rookie.
With his age and his minor league performance, expectations weren’t exactly sky-high. A lot of people were uncertain about what kind of career he might carve out.
There wasn’t much optimism about him making a significant impact right off the bat.
When the 2012 season rolled around, Carpenter was with the Cardinals. He quickly set out to prove the doubters wrong.
In his rookie year, he put up an impressive .296/.365/.463. That kind of performance earned him a spot in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, where he finished sixth.
Carpenter had the best season of his career in 2013, raising the performance standard at the plate.
He hit .318, got on base a lot, and packed some punch with a .481 slugging—just a really solid all-around performance.
He landed his first All-Star Game entry, and he finished fourth in the MVP award voting, a major milestone.
Carpenter was an important part of the Cardinals’ lineup from 2012 to 2018, consistently providing hitting and offense from year to year.
READ ALSO
NBA Draft 2025: Cooper Flagg Leads NIL-Era Shift
Over this time-frame, he hit .275 with a .377 OBP and .471 slugging, giving him a considerable 131 OPS+. Carpenter was not limited to just hitting or offense, however; he played defense in multiple roles as well, from third base, second base, and even some outfield early in his career.
His flexibility along with consistency on the defensive side of the game made him invaluable.
In his last three seasons with St. Louis, Carpenter's performance took a hit. The stats just weren't what they used to be.
It was a challenging time for the veteran player. After the 2021 season, he made the decision to move on, wrapping up his time with the Cardinals after a truly memorable journey.
Carpenter then signed a one-year contract with the New York Yankees, stepping into a part-time role with the team.
Even with limited playing time, he managed to rediscover his rhythm at the plate.
In 154 plate appearances, he posted an impressive .305/.412/.727. It was a remarkable comeback in his career.
Carpenter spent the 2023 season with the San Diego Padres, but sadly, he wasn’t able to recreate the magic he had in New York.
His time in San Diego didn’t lead to the same level of success. In 2024, he made a comeback to the Cardinals on a one-year contract, which felt like the perfect way to wrap up his career—returning to his roots.
That season, he posted a .234 batting average, with a .314 on-base percentage and a .372 slugging percentage. It was a quiet end to a memorable journey.
Carpenter, now 39, was still eager to keep playing as of last September, holding onto hope for another opportunity.
Unfortunately, no offers came his way, leading him to the tough decision to retire. On Wednesday, he officially announced the end of his playing career.
Carpenter leaves the game as one of the most remarkable success stories in recent Cardinals history.
Always seen as the underdog, he never made it onto the top prospect lists. Yet, he beat the odds and left a significant mark. His journey with the Cardinals will be celebrated as a true triumph.
READ ALSO
Despite the challenges, Carpenter carved out a successful career in the majors. He received MVP votes in two separate seasons.
He also earned a Silver Slugger award during his time in the league. He's made it this far because he never backed down and always put in his best effort.
While Carpenter may not make it to the Hall of Fame, he’ll be remembered as one of the top players of his era with the Cardinals.
His influence on the team was undeniable. Fans will always cherish his contributions. Carpenter’s place in Cardinals history is secure.
Carpenter was the perfect example of the team's success during that era. No one showcased it better than he did.
Against all odds, he surpassed expectations in the majors. His journey was a key chapter in the team's history.
Follow Us
AD News Live
