Cardinals Legend Matt Carpenter Officially Retires from Baseball
Grab your favorite salsa and raise a toast—Matt Carpenter, one of the most iconic Cardinals of the 2010s, has officially announced his retirement from professional baseball.
Though there was still hope he might land one final opportunity in the majors this season, Carpenter confirmed during an appearance on the Sports Spectrum podcast that he’s hanging up his cleats, ending an impressive 13-year MLB career.
Matt Carpenter Bids Farewell After a Memorable Career
Drafted in the 13th round out of Texas Christian University in 2009, Carpenter wasn’t initially viewed as a future star. He got a brief call-up in 2011, but his rookie season in 2012 made it clear the Cardinals had something special. That year, he slashed .294/.365/.463, earned a 124 wRC+, and finished sixth in NL Rookie of the Year voting.
His true breakout came in 2013, when he finished fourth in MVP voting after a stellar season that included a .318 batting average, 55 doubles, 126 runs scored, and a 7.2 fWAR. He helped lead the Cardinals to a World Series appearance, establishing himself as one of the league’s top leadoff hitters and a versatile presence in the field.
Between 2012 and 2018, Carpenter was a key figure during a dominant run for St. Louis, helping them reach three NLCS appearances and one World Series. Over 12 seasons with the Cardinals, he compiled a career slash line of .261/.366/.466, hitting 159 home runs, 308 doubles, and driving in 659 runs while scoring 767 times.
A three-time All-Star and Silver Slugger winner, Carpenter also received MVP votes in three separate seasons. Beyond his stats, his work ethic, leadership, and clutch performances made him a fan favorite and a clubhouse leader.
Final Stint and Future Cardinals Hall of Famer
After short stints with the Yankees and Padres in 2022 and 2023, Carpenter returned to the Cardinals in 2024 for a final ride, playing a supporting role and giving fans a chance to celebrate his career one last time in a St. Louis uniform.
Without question, Matt Carpenter is destined for the Cardinals Hall of Fame. When eligible, his induction will be a no-brainer for fans and the organization alike.
Congratulations to Carpenter on an outstanding career. He played with heart, humility, and hustle—trademarks of Cardinals baseball—and left a legacy that will be remembered for generations. We’ll be sure to follow along with whatever path he takes next in his post-playing journey.
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