St. Louis Cardinals: Matt Carpenter may be shoved out the door
By David Hill
Every player wants to have their career end on their own terms. They get that final shot at glory, being able to walk off the diamond while remaining a productive player, comfortable in the knowledge that they have nothing left. But there are others who find their careers have ended because they did not perform well enough to get another opportunity. That is what St. Louis Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter is attempting to avoid.
Carpenter is certainly aware of his situation. An impending free agent, he told Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he is not ready to retire and is hoping for an opportunity next year, be it with the Cardinals or another team.
St. Louis Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter may not have many options
It is certainly understandable that Carpenter would want to hope for another chance. He is in the worst season of his career, having posted a .169/.304/.275 batting line with only three homers and nine doubles in his 227 plate appearances. The former All Star has become nothing more than a part time player for the Cardinals, someone who just has not been worth the roster spot.
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If this was just a rough season, one could see Carpenter getting a look. However, he has been steadily declining at the plate over the past three seasons, posting a subpar 83 OPS+ with 22 homers and 35 doubles in his 888 plate appearances. Although he is still getting on base, Carpenter has not done much else in that time.
There is a chance that Carpenter can get that opportunity he desires. His defensive versatility and status as a three time All Star could lead to a one year make good contract. A rebuilding team looking for a veteran that can teach the younger players how to win could take a chance.
But even that is not a given. Carpenter will turn 36 years old during the offseason, and it is clear that his best days are behind him. Maybe some team can catch lightning in a bottle and Carpenter can find the Fountain of Youth for one last hurrah. However, given his struggles over the past few years, that seems unlikely.
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Matt Carpenter is not ready to retire and wants one more shot. However, it is far more likely that the door is shut behind him as he has nothing left.