Cardinals veteran infielder, faces doubts about the future of his career as he enters free agency. Carpenter, 38, was selected by St. Louis in the 13th round of the 2009 MLB Amateur Draft. Carpenter’s contract with the Cardinals was not extended in 2021, despite his 11-year tenure, which included one World Series appearance. Carpenter returned to St. Louis in 2024, following spells with the Yankees and Padres. Carpenter played innings as a utility infielder off the bench on a one-year contract with the league’s minimum salary. Now a free agent, he hopes to continue his career as a support player for a major league team.
Cardinals Veteran Infielder Open To Playing In 2025
Not Always A Veteran
Carpenter, who had played a variety of positions at the start of his career, established in as the Cardinals’ everyday third baseman in the mid-2010s. He has three all-star performances and got MVP votes in 2018 for his 36 home runs. However, with the signing of superstar Nolan Arenado, Carpenter’s position in the lineup was uncertain. Later that year, the Cardinals elected not to renew Carpenter’s contract, and many believed his career was coming to an end.
Nonetheless, he was able to resume his profession in New York. Carpenter hit.305/.727/.412 across 47 games in 2022, including 15 home runs and 37 RBIs. He even appeared in many postseason games as they advanced to the ALCS that year. This resulted in him signing a two-year, $12 million guaranteed contract with the Padres in 2022, but he was eventually moved to the Atlanta Braves and waived.
The Cardinals, who have recently welcomed back many franchise luminaries toward the end of their careers, signed him for the 2024 season. Despite their hopes to compete, the Cardinals fell far short of the playoffs, and Carpenter’s minimal playing time dampened the feelings of his homecoming.
Free Agent Profile
According to Derrick Goold, Carpenter is “open” to performing in 2025.
He is also willing to continue in a bench/utility position, either with the Cardinals or another team.
It is possible that St. Louis will re-sign him for another year. Especially given speculations of a trade involving current third baseman Nolan Arenado. This would likely shift struggling top prospect Nolan Gorman to third base, making room for Gold-Glover Brendan Donovan at second. If Arenado is not traded, the infield innings will most likely be filled by a combination of these two guys and emerging rookie Alec Burleson.
Carpenter has a.234/.372/.314 batting line through 59 games in 2024, with only four home runs and 15 RBI. Despite his offensive struggles, another team may look to add an experienced presence to their bench who can fill in as DH and infielder on occasion.
If he plays in 2025, he is likely to sign another league minimum contract.
However, it is equally conceivable that Carpenter’s major league career is over. As the demands on offensive players increase in the current game. Carpenter will find it increasingly difficult to perform at a high enough level to earn a roster position.
He has began to appear as a guest analyst on MLB Network, as well as on the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Cardinals podcast. Signaling his intention to stay involved with baseball after his career ends.
