Matt Carpenter, a 3-time MLB All-Star, announces his retirement
Matt Carpenter, a three-time All-Star and 14-year MLB veteran, has officially announced his retirement from baseball.
Carpenter, 39, said on the Sports Spectrum's 'Get in the Game' podcast — hosted by former MLB pitcher Scott Linebrink — that the decision came down to spending time with family.
'I could thank a lot of people, and I will, but I have to start with my family,' said Carpenter, acknowledging his wife, Mackenzie, and his parents, Rick and Tammie. 'I'm excited for what's next, and to spend some much-needed time with my wife and kids.
'I was very fortunate enough to play for some great organizations,' he added. 'I had quite a thrill being able to don the St. Louis Cardinals logo for many years.'
After 14 seasons in the Major Leagues, including 12 with the St. Louis Cardinals, Matt Carpenter has announced his retirement.
Congratulations on a great career, Matt! Whether it was on the field or in the community, you represented our city with class. pic.twitter.com/FgTiTdaPf4
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) May 14, 2025
Carpenter, who spent 12 of his 14 seasons with the Cardinals, was a key member of the team's National League pennant run in 2013, when he led the league in hits (199) and doubles (55) and won the Silver Slugger Award at second base. Selected by St. Louis in the 13th round of the 2009 MLB draft, Carpenter debuted with the Cardinals in 2011 and spent the next 10 years as a staple in the organization.
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He played 47 games with the New York Yankees in 2022 and 76 games with the San Diego Padres in 2023 before returning to St. Louis as a bench player in 2024, his final season.
'As many people know, St. Louis is a special place that I hold very dear to my heart. The fans there, the organization, from top to bottom, it's a very unique, special place to get to play baseball,' Carpenter told Linebrink. 'I'm just so honored and blessed that I got to wear that uniform for so many years.'
Carpenter finished his career with 179 home runs, 329 doubles and 28.7 WAR, according to Baseball Reference. He will be eligible for the Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2028.
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