Rangers Sign Former Cardinals Mainstay

After 11 years as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, including three All-Star selections, and two Top 10 MVP finishes, 36-year-old veteran infielder Matt Carpenter has signed on with the Texas Rangers. 

Matt Carpenter has agreed to a minor-league deal with the Rangers, per @Ken_Rosenthal pic.twitter.com/HbnbjdUERS

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) March 18, 2022

It's a minor league deal for the Fort Worth native, who'll have a shot to win a job at spring training with his childhood favorite team. 

Carpenter's performance, and role with the Cardinals, had dipped precipitously in the last couple of years, batting just .169 for the Cardinals in 207 at-bats in 2021. That followed a .186 average in 2020 and .226 in 2019. 

Despite all that, he still owns a career .262 average, with an .818 OPS. For six consecutive years, from 2013 to 2018, Carpenter was a consistent and solid offensive producer for the Cards. 

At 36, his role will be limited once again with Texas, though he could serve a decent utility role, as he can play 1B, 2B and 3B. 

Photo Credit: Joe Puetz-USA TODAY Sports