Former Yankees player Matt Carpenter is making a return to the eastern part of the country. Following a season with the underwhelming Padres, during which he faced personal challenges, the veteran infielder and three-time All-Star is heading to the Braves in a trade with San Diego.
The standout player from the 2022 Yankees, Matt Carpenter, is joining Atlanta alongside left-handed pitcher Ray Kerr and cash considerations. In exchange, the Braves have confirmed the departure of minor-league outfielder Drew Campbell.
According to Padres writer Dennis Lin from The Athletic, it’s been reported that the Padres are contributing $1.5 million as a component of the agreement.
During his time in San Diego, Matt Carpenter, aged 38, struggled significantly, recording a meager .176 batting average in just 237 plate appearances across 76 games last season.
This downturn came on the heels of a revitalizing season in The Bronx, where Matt Carpenter posted impressive numbers, hitting .305 with a 1.138 OPS. In his 47 games as a Yankee in 2022, he slammed 15 home runs and recorded 37 RBIs.
Matt Carpenter’s Yankees career was eventful
In late May 2022, the storied New York Yankees baseball franchise signed veteran infielder Matt Carpenter in hopes that the 36-year-old could rediscover his power stroke. He wasted little time rewarding the Yankees’ faith. Within his first ten contests dawning the iconic pinstripes, Matt Carpenter smashed six home runs, becoming the first Yankee ever to clear the fences at such a prolific clip right out of the gate. On June 12th versus the Chicago Cubs, The player etched his name into the record books yet again, tying his personal best with seven runs batted in on the day courtesy of two jacks, a two-bagger, and a free pass. His explosive output supported an overwhelming 18-4 Yankees win.
Just over a month later on July 16th against their bitter Boston rivals, Matt Carpenter broke the Yankees record for most round-trippers within a player’s first 30 games with the club. His two decisive three-run shots gave him 13 homers in his first 30 contests, surpassing Kevin Maas in 1990 and Glenallen Hill in 2000 who each had 12. Moreover, Matt Carpenter became the first Yankee outfielder to collect seven RBIs in one game against the Sox since the great Joe DiMaggio in 1940.
With a Major League career spanning 1,452 games, Matt Carpenter boasts 175 home runs, 644 RBIs, and a lifetime batting average of .260. His notable achievements include receiving MVP votes in three distinct seasons, with a notable fourth-place finish in the NL award race in 2013 while contributing to the Cardinals’ pennant-winning campaign.
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