MLB

Yankees sign former Cardinals All-Star Matt Carpenter

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Social Links for Greg Joyce
Published May 26, 2022
Updated May 26, 2022, 7:56 p.m. ET

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — An 11-year MLB veteran, Matt Carpenter arrived in the Yankees clubhouse Thursday afternoon and told manager Aaron Boone he was ready to help however necessary.

“If you want me to load the bags on the plane, that’s what I’ll do,” Carpenter said.

Instead, just hours after the Yankees announced they had signed him to a major league contract and added him to the active roster, Carpenter was a late addition to the starting lineup at DH after Aaron Hicks was scratched with right hamstring tightness.

The 36-year-old Carpenter, a left-handed hitter who played 11 seasons for the Cardinals, became a free agent last week upon requesting his release from the Rangers after playing 21 games for their Triple-A affiliate.

With the Yankees battling health issues — DJ LeMahieu (wrist) was out of the lineup for a third straight game Thursday, Josh Donaldson remained on the COVID IL and Giancarlo Stanton (ankle) went on the 10-day IL on Wednesday — Carpenter offered a left-handed bat off the bench. Aaron Boone said he could see time at first base, third base and DH.

“I’m excited to put a Yankee uniform on and be a part of the best team in baseball right now,” Carpenter said. “I’m just fired up to be here, whatever that role looks like. I’m going to hit the ground running.”

Matt Carpenter spent 11 seasons with the Cardinals.
Matt Carpenter spent 11 seasons with the Cardinals. Getty Images

Boone said the Yankees had Carpenter on their radar for the past few months, then pursued him when he opted out of his minor league contract with the Rangers.

After hitting .169 with a .581 OPS in 130 games for the Cardinals last season, Carpenter spent the offseason revamping his swing and was batting .275 with a .991 OPS at Triple-A this year.

“My swing felt as good as it’s felt in years,” Carpenter said. “I was able to put in a lot of good work in the offseason and see it translate. Obviously it’s Triple-A pitching, but with what I was able to feel and things I was able to have click for me, I was really encouraged by it. That kind of led to what happened here. I’m really excited that this opportunity presented itself.”

LeMahieu, the former Rockie who squared off against Carpenter plenty over the years in the National League, said he was looking forward to getting to know the three-time All-Star.

“A guy that has a lot of really good at-bats,” LeMahieu said. “He’s got some pop, gets on base. The guys I texted in St. Louis that I know spoke very highly of him.”