Few players symbolized the St. Louis Cardinals’ success in the 2010s quite like Matt Carpenter, and now, the longtime fan favorite is officially stepping away from professional baseball.
Carpenter announced his retirement on the Sports Spectrum podcast, putting an end to a 13-year Major League career that saw him rise from a little-known draft pick to a staple in the Cardinals’ lineup and a future Cardinals Hall of Famer.
Originally selected in the 13th round of the 2009 MLB Draft out of TCU, Carpenter wasn’t projected to be a star. But after a brief debut in 2011, he broke through in 2012 with an impressive rookie season, hitting .294 with an .828 OPS and finishing sixth in NL Rookie of the Year voting.
His true breakout came in 2013, when he became one of baseball’s top lead-off hitters. Carpenter batted .318 with 55 doubles, 78 RBIs, and 126 runs scored, earning 4th place in NL MVP voting and helping lead St. Louis to the World Series. That season, he also posted an elite 7.2 WAR.
Between 2012 and 2018, Carpenter was a cornerstone for the Cardinals during a dominant era that included three NLCS appearances and one trip to the World Series. His versatility on the field, combined with his consistent offensive production, made him one of the most valuable players on the roster.
Across 12 seasons in St. Louis, Carpenter compiled a slash line of .261/.366/.466 with 159 home runs, 308 doubles, 767 runs scored, and 659 RBIs. He was named to three All-Star teams, won a Silver Slugger, and finished in the top 12 in MVP voting three times.
After brief stints with the Yankees and Padres in 2022 and 2023, Carpenter returned to the Cardinals in 2024 in a reserve role, giving fans one last opportunity to celebrate his contributions on the field.
There’s no doubt that once he’s eligible, Matt Carpenter will be a first-ballot inductee into the Cardinals Hall of Fame.
Congratulations to Carpenter on a stellar career — a player known for his hustle, leadership, and class. His impact on Cardinals baseball will be felt for generations, and fans everywhere will be watching closely to see what he does next in life after baseball.
