Not long ago, Matt Carpenter was one of the most dangerous sluggers in the AL East Division. Carpenter was a hero in pinstripes and an unforgettable player for the Cardinals. Yet, several MLB fans seem to have forgotten that Carpenter is a free agent. Neither team showed a keen interest in signing the veteran.
Carpenter’s 2024 season was not perfect after returning to the Cardinals. His stint with the Padres was a bit shaky as well, and MLB teams are hesitant to sign the All-Star player. Let’s delve into the details as to why teams are not signing Carpenter.
Three Reasons Why Team’s Are Not Signing Matt Carpenter
3. Performance Issues
Matt Carpenter had a decent season with the Yankees in 2022. He smashed 15 home runs and carried the team forward in several crucial moments. Yet, his performance had declined due to injuries over the past couple of years.
No one ever talks about how good Matt Carpenter was in 2022 pic.twitter.com/dXbUqXOr4b
— Barry (Yankees make me sad) (@YanksBar) December 24, 2024
Carpenter struggled with a lower back strain, and his overall performance at the plate decreased. In 2023, he smashed only five home runs with the Padres and four with the Cardinals in 2024. Due to his declining performance, many teams are staying away from Carpenter.
2. Matt Carpenter’s Age
Carpenter is 39 years old, and the chances of him signing with a team are pretty slim. Not many teams are ready to give a struggling veteran another chance. It’s clear that Carpenter could only get a short-term contract for a year or two, but his age is a huge factor for now.
Despite his determination to play, signing a designated hitter at 39 can turn out to be a setback for any team.
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1. Competition With Other Free Agents
Another reason teams are not pursuing Matt Carpenter is the tough competition. Several free agents will have a better preference than the veteran slugger. For instance, J.D. Martinez has been better than Matt Carpenter in the last two years. Martinez is also a free agent who is two years younger than Carpenter.
Another designated hitter who is 32 and a free agent is Daniel Vogelbach. Apart from these, plenty of center fielders, right fielders, and left fielders are all younger than Carpenter. Many of those free agents have a stronger track record in the last few years. Hence, it’s only natural for teams to stay away from Carpenter.
On the other hand, MLB deals and rumors are continuing in full swing. The Yankees are predicted to sign a surprising $500 million star slugger.
Also Read: Alex Bregman Rumors: AL Central Team Emerges As Top Landing Spot After Astros Halt Negotiations
