Matt Carpenter (baseball)

Carpenter was born in Galveston, Texas, on November 26, 1985, the son of Rick and Tammie Carpenter.{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=572761#gameType='R'§ionType=career&statType=1&season=2013&level='ALL' |title=MLB Player Stats (Matt Carpenter) |publisher=Major League Baseball |access-date=August 23, 2013}}{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/carpema01.shtml |title=Matt Carpenter statistics & history |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=August 23, 2013}}{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/_/id/31015/matt-carpenter |title=Matt Carpenter |publisher=ESPN |access-date=August 24, 2013}}{{cite magazine |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/player/8953/matt-carpenter |title=#13 Matt Carpenter |magazine=The Sporting News |access-date=August 24, 2013}} The elder Carpenter is a former college baseball player turned high school coach. His mother played softball in her youth. The Carpenter family spent seven years in La Marque, Texas, where Rick Carpenter taught and coached at La Marque High School before moving to Fort Bend Dulles High School and eventually at Fort Bend Lawrence E. Elkins High School. There, Rick coached for another fifteen years. The school's baseball team won numerous championships, including nine at the district level, six regional, three state, and one national. He also coached three other major leaguers: James Loney, Kip Wells and Chad Huffman. Rick Carpenter also coached at Prosper High School near Dallas until he retired in 2019, winning a state championship in 2015.{{cite web |last=Langosch |first=Jenifer |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120612&content_id=33197134&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619041323/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120612&content_id=33197134&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 19, 2012 |title=Carpenters build Matt's baseball future together |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=June 15, 2012 |access-date=June 15, 2012}}{{Cite web |last=League |first=University Interscholastic |title=2014-2015 State Champions — Archives — University Interscholastic League (UIL) |url=https://www.uiltexas.org/archives/champions/2014-2015#baseball |access-date=December 11, 2023 |website=uiltexas.org |language=en}} Carpenter's brother, Tyler, was a minor league baseball player in the New York Mets organization.

At Elkins High School, Carpenter was a three-year first-team all-district performer and two-time all-state tournament team selection. He helped lead the team to a 35–1 record and the USA Today National Prep Championship in 2002, and was named the District Sophomore of the Year that year. His father, Rick Carpenter, was honored as the USA Today High School Baseball Coach of the Year. Matt was named a 2004 TPX second-team High School All-American. He holds the Elkins High School record for most career hits. One of his high school teammates was James Loney.

Carpenter attended Texas Christian University (TCU) and majored in communications. One of Carpenter's teammates at TCU was pitcher and fellow future major leaguer Jake Arrieta—who, after Carpenter became a St. Louis Cardinal, would later join the Chicago Cubs on the opposite end of the storied Cardinals–Cubs rivalry.{{cite web |last1=Muskat |first1=Carrie |last2=Langosch |first2=Jenifer |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jake-arrieta-matt-carpenter-bonded-in-college/c-153689556 |title=Arrieta–Carpenter bond faces playoff test: Stomping grounds: Friends always pushed each other in college |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=October 10, 2015 |access-date=May 27, 2016}} In his freshman year as an athlete, Carpenter played 50 games and batted .289, 27 runs batted in (RBI), eight doubles (2B) and one home run (HR) with 11 multi-hit games and eight multiple-RBI games. The next season, he finished second on the team with a .349 average, one home run, and 36 RBIs in 62 games. He hit safely in 47 games and reached base in 56.{{cite web |title=Matt Carpenter player bio |url=http://gofrogs.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/carpenter_matt00.html |publisher=TCU Horned Frogs baseball |access-date=April 29, 2012}}

However, Carpenter's junior season was cut short after eight games due to a tearing a ligament in his elbow while throwing from first base. Tommy John surgery was necessary making him the first TCU position player to undergo a procedure much more common for pitchers to have. As a result he was granted a two-year medical redshirt (RS). Because his weight increased to {{convert|240|lb}} and he was rehabilitating his elbow at an age more advanced than most players who are drafted, doubt lingered about Carpenter's future as a professional baseball player. While he was very disciplined as a player, his discipline off the field was poor, including his grades and physical conditioning. This contributed to his weight being higher than average. Carpenter attributes personal motivation and a speech from his head coach Jim Schlossnagle to getting him motivated to change his habits off the field. Thus, he applied the same dedication off the field as he did on the field. As a result Carpenter lost {{convert|40|lb}}.{{cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/08/sports/baseball/rebooting-his-life-in-college-led-cardinals-matt-carpenter-to-stardom.html?_r=0 |title=For Cardinals' Matt Carpenter, a bad elbow in college led to good things |work=The New York Times |date=May 7, 2015 |access-date=May 8, 2015}}

While Carpenter was still rehabilitating during his junior year, major league outfielder Torii Hunter moved to Prosper, Texas, the same high school district where Rick Carpenter coached baseball. Hunter introduced himself to Carpenter because his son, Torii, Jr., would attend and play baseball there. The elder Hunter also met Matt Carpenter, who he eventually invited to train at the same gymnasium where he trained. It was an expensive facility, and at this point Carpenter was still in the minor leagues; he could not afford to pay for a membership at the gym. However Hunter covered the fees because he believed that Carpenter would take full advantage of the opportunity to train.{{cite web |last=Nightengale |first=Bob |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2015/05/07/matt-carpenter-cardinals-all-star-torii-hunter/70965644/ |title=Matt Carpenter the catalyst for Cardinals' success |work=USA Today |date=May 7, 2015 |access-date=May 8, 2015}}

In Carpenter's RS-junior season, he played in all 63 games and was named second-team all-conference at third base. He finished with a .283 batting average, team-high 11 home runs and 46 RBI and ranked third on the team with 48 runs scored. His fifth-year senior season included a .333 batting average, .472 on-base percentage (OBP) and .662 slugging percentage (SLG) with 11 home runs.{{cite web |last=Sickels |first=John |url=http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/4/17/2953348/prospect-of-the-day-matt-carpenter-1b-3b-st-louis-cardinals |title=Prospect of the Day: Matt Carpenter, 1B–3B, St. Louis Cardinals |publisher=SB Nation |date=April 17, 2012 |access-date=June 15, 2014}} Along with Carpenter's increased performance, TCU's overall strong effort nearly led to a College World Series appearance. During his collegiate career, Carpenter broke school career records for games played (241) and at-bats (843), and finished second in hits (263), doubles (57) and walks (BB, with 150). He was named second-team All Mountain West Conference in 2006, 2008 and 2009.

The St. Louis Cardinals selected Carpenter in the 13th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft. Due to advanced age stemming from his redshirt senior season at TCU, he had little leverage in negotiations, and was forced to settle for a $1,000 bonus. He spent his first professional season with various A-level teams, including the Batavia Muckdogs, Quad Cities River Bandits, and the Palm Beach Cardinals Between the three clubs, he batted .283 with two home runs and 22 RBIs. In 2010, Carpenter returned to Palm Beach to begin the year; over 28 games, he hit .283 while also drawing 26 walks, placing his OBP at .441.

This resulted in a call-up to the Springfield Cardinals, with whom he played 105 games. With Springfield he batted .316 with 76 runs scored, 26 doubles, 12 home runs, 53 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases. He was chosen as a Topps' Double-A All-Star, Texas Mid-Season All-Star, and Texas Post-Season All-Star for his 2010 season. Carpenter also garnered the TCN/Scout.com Cardinals Minor League Player of the Year and Cardinals organization Player of the Year awards for 2010.{{cite web |url=http://stlcardinals.scout.com/a.z?s=321&p=8&c=1&nid=7431230 |title=Matt Carpenter: 2014 St. Louis roster |website=Scout.com |access-date=June 15, 2014}}

After his 2010 performance, Carpenter started to garner attention, and was expected to compete for one of the MLB Cardinals final roster openings the next spring training. Despite batting .333 with a .414 OBP and six extra base hits in spring training, he started the 2011 season in the minor leagues with the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds of Pacific Coast League (PCL).{{cite web |last1=Leach |first1=Matthew |last2=Laymance |first2=Austin |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110604&content_id=20020536¬ebook_id=20020542&vkey=notebook_stl&c_id=stl |title=M. Carpenter latest to make Cards debut |publisher=St. Louis Cardinals |date=June 4, 2011 |access-date=July 27, 2014}} He spent 130 total games with Memphis, batting .300 with 12 home runs, seventy RBIs, 84 walks, a .417 on-base percentage, and a .483 slugging percentage. His OBP placed fourth in the PCL.

File:Matt Carpenter Throwing.jpg against the Washington Nationals]]

Carpenter made his major league debut on June 4, 2011, starting at third base and batting seventh. During his brief stint in the majors that year, he played seven games, collecting one double, a .067 batting average and four walks. The Cardinals qualified for the postseason by clinching the wild card, but left him off the postseason roster.{{cite web |last=Walton |first=Brian |url=http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2011/10/01/cardinals-announce-nlds-roster/ |title=Cardinals announce NLDS roster |website=The Cardinal Nation blog |date=October 1, 2011 |access-date=July 27, 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://archive.ksdk.com/news/pdfs/101911_rosters.pdf |title=St. Louis Cardinals' 2011 World Series roster (October 19, 2011) |publisher=KSDK |access-date=July 27, 2014}} St. Louis became the World Series champions when they defeated the Texas Rangers. The Cardinals awarded Carpenter a championship ring for his contributions throughout the year.{{cite web |last=Goold |first=Derrick |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/world-series-rings-have-nods-to-history/article_b9ae8c23-531f-5d18-ad43-258484e52b47.html |title=World Series rings have a nod to history |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=March 1, 2012 |access-date=July 27, 2014}}

After the 2011 season, the departures of Albert Pujols and Nick Punto — along with an injury to Allen Craig — opened up an opportunity for Carpenter to make the major league club.{{cite web |last=Dallman |first=Kyle |url=http://www.stlcardinalbaseball.com/predicting-the-2012-cardinals-position-by-position |title=Predicting the 2012 Cardinals: position by position |publisher=St. Louis Cardinals baseball |date=February 12, 2012 |access-date=July 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728002557/http://www.stlcardinalbaseball.com/predicting-the-2012-cardinals-position-by-position |archive-date=July 28, 2014 |url-status=dead }} During the following spring training, he worked at first base and in the outfield to increase his versatility, where he served as a backup and spot starter in 2012 season. He made an early-season impact against the Chicago Cubs on April 15, driving in five runs with a home run and triple as the Cardinals won, 10–3.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/story/2012-04-15/matt-carpenter-cardinals-cubs-sunday-roundup/54302050/1 |title=Roundup: Rookie Carpenter slugs Cards by Cubs |newspaper=USA Today |date=April 15, 2012 |access-date=July 27, 2014}}

Incurring a right flank strain on May 23, the team placed Carpenter on the disabled list (DL). The injury happened while swinging the bat for a double. At the time, he was batting .288 with three home runs and 20 RBIs in 39 games while filling in at first base for the injured Lance Berkman.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7964926/st-louis-cardinals-place-matt-carpenter-disabled-list |title=Cardinals place Matt Carpenter on DL |publisher=ESPN |date=May 23, 2012 |access-date=July 27, 2014}} In July, he made his first appearance at second base since turning professional.{{cite web |last=Gleeman |first=Aaron |url=http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/07/05/cardinals-turn-to-matt-carpenter-at-second-base-where-he-hasnt-played-since-age-13/ |title=Cardinals turn to Matt Carpenter at second base, where he hasn't played since age 13 |publisher=NBC Sports |date=July 5, 2012 |access-date=July 27, 2014}} He played in 114 games for the season, tallying 340 plate appearances and batting .294 with six home runs, 46 RBIs, 22 doubles, a .365 OBP, and .463 SLG.

{{Quote box

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| quote = "When guys get hurt, especially a guy like Carlos,
sometimes that can be kind of a letdown
from an energy standpoint as a team. I wanted
to do something that would bring some life back."

| source = —Carpenter on hitting a home run after replacing
an injured Carlos Beltrán in the 2012 NLCS{{Cite web |last=Langosch |first=Jenifer |date=2012-10-17 |title=Wood supplied by Carpenter: Cards take 2-1 lead |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/wood-supplied-by-carpenter-cards-take-2-1-lead-c39875772 |access-date=2025-02-02 |publisher=Major League Baseball |language=en-US}}

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}}

Carpenter hit his first career postseason home run on October 17, 2012, during Game 3 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the San Francisco Giants. The two-run home run came with two out in the bottom of the third inning off Giants starter Matt Cain. Carpenter was inserted into the game from the bench to replace an injured Carlos Beltrán in the second inning. After a lengthy rain delay, the Cardinals won the game 3–1 to take a two-game-to-one series lead in the NLCS. However the Giants won the NLCS in seven games on their way to becoming the World Series champions.

Uncertain of where the club would find adequate offensive production from second base, the Cardinals advised Carpenter to work out there in the off-season prior to 2013. He had played mainly third base and had totaled just 18 total innings at second base since the Cardinals drafted him — all during the 2012 season after his major league call-up. After his tryout in spring training, he made the team as the starting second baseman.{{cite web |last=Langosch |first=Jennifer |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130706&content_id=52891864&vkey=news_stl&c_id=stl |title=Beltran, Molina among Cards' five All-Stars: Matt Carpenter, Craig, Wainwright also named to National League squad |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=July 6, 2013}}

With Rafael Furcal out for the season due to injury, and Jon Jay starting the season slowly, the Cardinals clamored for productivity from their leadoff hitters. Manager Mike Matheny moved Carpenter into the leadoff spot midway through April in spite of him lacking the speed sought after for that post in the lineup. He responded by proving to be an all-around hitter, gaining his first All-Star selection at Citi Field with 25 doubles, 65 runs scored, and two 12-game hitting streaks at the All-Star break.

With his 54th double on September 21, Carpenter broke Stan Musial's six decade-old franchise record for doubles (Musial's 53 came in 1953) by a left-handed batter.{{cite news |last=Goold |first=Derrick |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinal-beat/adams-powers-cardinals-to-lead/article_be126b45-f760-5f08-946c-3a3dc35773ec.html |title=Adams powers Cardinals to lead |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=September 21, 2013}} He finished the season leading the Major Leagues in hits (199), doubles (55), and runs (126), while batting .318. He also finished in the top ten in the NL in batting average, on-base percentage (.392), total bases (301), singles (126), triples (seven), walks (72), and adjusted OPS (143), among others. Among NL leadoff hitters, he finished second in OBP to Shin-Soo Choo's .423.{{cite web |last=Berra |first=Lindsay |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/stl/lindsay-berra-matt-carpenter-an-ideal-leadoff-hitter-for-cardinals?ymd=20131024&content_id=63300582&vkey=news_stl |title=First things first: Carpenter ideal atop Cards lineup |publisher=St. Louis Cardinals |date=October 24, 2013 |access-date=June 5, 2014}}

Despite his stellar regular season, Carpenter batted only .203 in the postseason. Against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the NLDS, he started slowly, managing just one hit in 19 at-bats (.053). He improved his batting average to .261 against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS. In the fourth inning of Game 6, Carpenter faced Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw and lined a double to right field to end an 11-pitch at bat and ignite a four-run outburst. They eventually won, 9–0, securing a trip to the World Series.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=331018124 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131020155159/http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=331018124 |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 20, 2013 |title=Cardinals rock Clayton Kershaw to reach World Series |publisher=ESPN |date=October 18, 2013 |access-date=October 5, 2014}} Carpenter batted .296 in the World Series against the Boston Red Sox. However, in the ninth inning in Game 6 against Boston closer Koji Uehara, he struck out for the final out of the series and season, resulting in the Cardinals' elimination from the final round of the postseason.{{cite web |last=Warry |first=Richard |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/baseball/24754114 |title=Boston Red Sox beat St. Louis Cardinals |date=October 31, 2013|publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=November 1, 2013}}

The following November, in earning his first Silver Slugger Award, Carpenter also became the first winner at second base in Cardinals history.{{cite news |last=Langosch |first=Jenifer |url=http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/stl/cardinals-yadier-molina-matt-carpenter-named-first-time-silver-sluggers?ymd=20131106&content_id=63734096&vkey=news_stl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109010427/http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/stl/cardinals-yadier-molina-matt-carpenter-named-first-time-silver-sluggers?ymd=20131106&content_id=63734096&vkey=news_stl |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |title=Molina, Carpenter named first-time Silver Sluggers |publisher=St. Louis Cardinals |quote=MVP hopeful pairs Gold Glove with offensive honor; second baseman rewarded |date=November 6, 2013 |access-date=November 6, 2013}} He finished fourth in the NL Most Valuable Player Award balloting.{{cite news |url=http://bbwaa.com/13-nl-mvp/ |title=Andrew McCutchen wins Pirates' 1st MVP since 1992 |publisher=Baseball Writers' Association of America |date=November 14, 2013 |access-date=November 15, 2013}} He was also selected as the team finalist for Heart & Hustle Award; Boston's Dustin Pedroia was the winner.{{cite web |url=http://mlbpaa.mlb.com/mlbpaa/news/heartandhustle.jsp |title=Heart & Hustle Award |publisher=BaseballAlumni.com via MLB.com |access-date=January 28, 2014}} The club then signed Carpenter to a six-year, $52 million extension to run through 2019 on March 6, 2014. Included was an option for 2020 worth $18.5 million. General manager John Mozeliak cited his work ethic as another factor in Carpenter getting the extension.{{cite magazine |last=Cocoran |first=Cliff |url=http://mlb.si.com/2014/03/08/matt-carpenter-st-louis-cardinals-contract-extension/ |title=Cardinals reward Carpenter with a warranted, intelligent six-year extension |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=March 8, 2014 |access-date=April 12, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313021750/http://mlb.si.com/2014/03/08/matt-carpenter-st-louis-cardinals-contract-extension/ |archive-date=March 13, 2014 }}

With second base prospect Kolten Wong viewed as major league-ready, Carpenter moved back to his customary position of third base in 2014.{{cite web |last=Noles |first=Casey |url=http://www.ksdk.com/story/sports/commentary/2014/04/10/matt-carpenters-familiarity-at-third-base-is-showing-early/7541769/ |title=Matt Carpenter's familiarity at third base is showing early |publisher=KSDK |date=April 10, 2014 |access-date=June 5, 2014}} He continued as the Cardinals leadoff hitter.{{cite web|work=Wire Reports |url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20140507_STL@ATL/wainwright-cardinals-breeze-past-braves-7-1 |title=Cardinals 7, Braves 1 |publisher=CBS Sports |date=May 7, 2014 |access-date=June 5, 2014}} He started the season slowly, batting .264 in April with three doubles and one home run. His productivity returned in May, when he batted .307 with 10 doubles.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=carpema01&year=2014&t=b |title=Matt Carpenter 2014 batting splits |website=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=June 5, 2014}} However on May 15, his batting average had dropped to .256 with a .315 SLG.{{cite web |last=Alexander |first=Jackson |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2014_06_04_slnmlb_kcamlb_1&mode=wrap#gid=2014_06_04_slnmlb_kcamlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=stl |title=Carpenter's fifth hit picks up Cards in extras |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=June 4, 2014 |access-date=June 5, 2014}} From May 18 to June 1, he hit safely in 14 consecutive games and collected a combined 24 hits in 60 at-bats for a .400 batting average.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/cardinals-shut-out-again-lose-6-0-to-royals/2014/06/03/c7b51fd4-ead7-11e3-b10e-5090cf3b5958_story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607152355/http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals/cardinals-shut-out-again-lose-6-0-to-royals/2014/06/03/c7b51fd4-ead7-11e3-b10e-5090cf3b5958_story.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 7, 2014 |title=Cardinals shut out again, lose 6–0 to Royals |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=June 2, 2014 |access-date=June 5, 2014}}

File:Macarp2014.jpg

In a June 4 matchup against the Kansas City Royals, Carpenter raked five hits in five at-bats to raise his batting average to a season-high .307. His double in the eleventh inning provided the game-winning RBI in a 5–2 victory. It was the first five-hit game for the Cardinals since Ryan Ludwick's on September 4, 2009.{{cite web |author=The Sports Xchange |url=http://www.wptz.com/sports/Carpenter-s-fifth-hit-lifts-Cardinals-past-Royals-in-11th/26338904#!Vc7ok |title=Carpenter's fifth hit lifts Cardinals past Royals in 11th |publisher=WPTZ |date=June 4, 2014 |access-date=June 5, 2014}} Carpenter finished that game having reached base in 10 consecutive plate appearances. The five hits brought him into a tie for the NL lead in hits (73), and until that point he led NL leadoff hitters in runs (40) and BB (33).{{cite web |last=Hummel |first=Rick |author-link=Rick Hummel |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinal-beat/carpenter-feels-locked-in/article_baf5f570-5378-5308-a118-a787198620e3.html |title=Carpenter feels locked in |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=June 5, 2014 |access-date=June 5, 2014}} After first-half results through July 6 including a .282 batting average, four home runs, 32 RBI, and a .375 OBP, he was selected to his second All-Star Game at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota.{{cite news |last=Hagen |first=Pat |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/all-stars-unveiled-including-26-first-timers?ymd=20140706&content_id=83398236&vkey=news_mlb |title=All-Stars unveiled, including 26 first-timers |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=July 6, 2014 |access-date=July 6, 2014}}{{cite web |last=D'Angelo |first=Tom |url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/sports/baseball/marlins-giancarlo-stanton-an-all-star-but-casey-mc/ngZkJ/?__federated=1 |title=Marlins' Giancarlo Stanton an All-Star, but Casey McGehee is snubbed |work=The Palm Beach Post |date=July 6, 2014 |access-date=July 6, 2014}}

For the season, Carpenter batted .271 with a .375 OBP, .375 SLG, 33 doubles, eight home runs, 59 RBIs, 99 runs scored and 95 walks in 158 games. He finished third in the NL in runs scored and eighth in OBP, and led the league in walks. His average of 4.36 pitches per plate appearance was far above the MLB average of 3.82.{{cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/05/sports/baseball/the-exceptions-rule-in-october-for-the-most-part.html?_r=0 |title=In October, exceptions rule, most of the time |work=The New York Times |date=October 5, 2014 |access-date=October 5, 2014}} According to a computerized tracking system, he also led the league in pitches taken that were erroneously pronounced strikes. In spite of the significant drop in batting average from the season before, his increased walk total helped him produce an OBP of no less than .362 in each month of 2014.{{cite web |last=Gordon |first=Jeff |url=https://www.stltoday.com/gallery/sports/baseball/professional/cardinals-report-card/collection_3dcc54bf-d29e-5cde-b2c2-441460225311.html#5 |title=Cardinals 2014 report card: Matt Carpenter A |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=October 17, 2014 |access-date=October 18, 2014}}

In the NLDS against the Dodgers, the Cardinals again faced Kershaw in Game 1. Carpenter's home run against him in the sixth inning stopped a string of 14 consecutive batters the lefty ace had retired. In the following at bat opposing Kershaw in the seventh inning, he found himself in an 0–2 count, but battled eight pitches for a bases-clearing double that gave the Cardinals a 7–6 lead. The Cardinals won 10–9.{{cite web |last=Langosch |first=Jenifer |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2014_10_04_slnmlb_lanmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=la#gid=2014_10_03_slnmlb_lanmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=stl |title=Cards' jaw-dropping barrage KO's Kershaw: Carpenter, Holliday key eight-run seventh after Wainwright's struggles |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=October 3, 2014 |access-date=October 5, 2014}}

{{Quote box

| align = right

| quote = Carpenter is "the epitome of a professional grinder. ...
This guy's as tough an out as there is in the National League,
especially when the stakes are raised."

| source = —Dodgers catcher A. J. Ellis on Carpenter, who
successfully doubled off Clayton Kershaw in both the
2013 and 2014 postseasons after lengthy at bats

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In Game 2, Carpenter's second home run of the series tied the game late, but the Dodgers prevailed 3–2.{{cite web |last=Langosch |first=Jenifer |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2014_10_04_slnmlb_lanmlb_1&mode=recap_home&c_id=la#gid=2014_10_04_slnmlb_lanmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=stl |title=Cards dial up drama, but run out of rallies in Game 2: Carpenter hits tying homer in eighth before Neshek yields shot to Kemp |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=October 5, 2014 |access-date=October 5, 2014}} In the first three games of the Cardinals-Dodgers playoff, Carpenter knocked in seven runs with two doubles, two solo homers, and a two-run homer. By hitting a home run and a double in each of the first three games of the NLDS, he became the first player to do so in the postseason.{{cite news |title=Cardinals Matt Carpenter having magical October |url=http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2014/10/07/matt-carpenter-having-magical-october/ |agency=Associated Press |publisher=KMOV |date=October 7, 2014 |access-date=October 7, 2014}} Between the NLDS and NLCS against the Giants, Carpenter hit safely ten times in 26 at bats with four home runs, four doubles, and eight RBI.

File:MCarpenter hits ball 2015.ogg in 2015]]

Showing initial great success in early at-bats in 2015, Carpenter's first home run was also a game-winner. Deciding a 7–5 margin, the home run occurred in the 11th inning of the April 12 contest against Cincinnati.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=350412117 |title=Carpenter's 2-run homer in 11th lifts Cards over Reds 7–5 |publisher=ESPN |date=April 12, 2015 |access-date=April 12, 2015}}{{cite web |last=Wise |first=Brandon |url=http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/25146615/cardinals-matt-carpenter-rips-game-winning-home-run-sunday |title=Cardinals' Matt Carpenter rips game-winning home run Sunday |publisher=CBS Sports |date=April 12, 2015 |access-date=April 12, 2015}} During the Cardinals' first homestand of the season, he doubled four times in a six at-bat span on April 17–18 against the Reds.{{cite web |last=Langosch |first=Jenifer |url=http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/118994402/cardinals-matt-carpenter-back-in-mvp-caliber-form |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150420141401/http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/118994402/cardinals-matt-carpenter-back-in-mvp-caliber-form |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 20, 2015 |title=Carpenter back in MVP-caliber form |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=April 18, 2015 |access-date=April 19, 2015}} On April 17, he scored a run when he somersaulted over catcher Brayan Peña; traditionally runners attempt to score with a direct collision with the catcher.{{cite web |last=Langosch |first=Jenifer |url=http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/118929830/cardinals-matt-carpenter-channels-willie-mays-hayes-with-acrobatic-run |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150420155955/http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/118929830/cardinals-matt-carpenter-channels-willie-mays-hayes-with-acrobatic-run |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 20, 2015 |title=Carpenter channels Willie Mays Hayes with acrobatic run |publisher=St. Louis Cardinals |date=April 18, 2015 |access-date=April 19, 2015}}

Including his fifth career leadoff home run against Cincinnati on April 19, Carpenter recorded his seventh straight two-hit game. It was the seventh consecutive game with an extra base hit and it was just the 37th occasion in the century in which a Cardinal achieved this feat. Further, the seven consecutive multi-hit games with at least one extra base hit in each tied the Cardinals' franchise record which Ripper Collins originally set in 1935.{{cite web |last1=Langosch |first1=Jenifer |last2=Sheldon |first2=Mark |url=http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/119335530/cardinals-come-through-late-complete-sweep-of-reds |title=Cardinals come through late, complete sweep of Reds |publisher=St. Louis Cardinals |date=April 19, 2015 |access-date=April 20, 2015 |archive-date=April 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422235923/http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/119335530/cardinals-come-through-late-complete-sweep-of-reds |url-status=dead }} That same streak was the longest in the Major Leagues since Paul Molitor achieved the same as a member of the Brewers in 1991. From April 12–19, Carpenter netted a .480 average, .880 SLG, seven doubles, one home run, and five RBI. His 22 total bases led the NL. MLB subsequently named him to his first NL Player of the Week Award for that period.{{cite web |last=Laymance |first=Austin |url=http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/119426182/cardinals-third-baseman-matt-carpenter-nets-first-national-league-player-of-week-nod |title=Carpenter nets first NL Player of Week nod |publisher=St. Louis Cardinals |date=April 20, 2015 |access-date=April 20, 2015 |archive-date=April 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423014113/http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/119426182/cardinals-third-baseman-matt-carpenter-nets-first-national-league-player-of-week-nod |url-status=dead }} Carpenter continued his extra-base hit surge. He ripped his second leadoff home run of the season against Washington on April 22,{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=350422120 |title=Wong's tiebreaking double in 8th helps Cardinals top Nats |publisher=ESPN |date=April 22, 2015 |access-date=April 23, 2015}} and the next day he lined the first pitch of the game off Max Scherzer for a double.{{cite web |last=Goold |first=Derrick |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinal-beat/wacha-pitches-to-the-max-leads-cards-to-win/article_4c684d4f-7ab8-53fb-a958-e38eaa7ae1b5.html |title=Wacha pitches to the Max, leads Cards to win |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=April 23, 2015 |access-date=April 23, 2015}}

Matheny moved Carpenter to the number two spot in the batting order in late April. He continued a strong hitting effort. His second game-winner of the season was a sacrifice fly against Pittsburgh on May 2, giving the Cardinals a walk-off 2–1 win in the 11th inning.{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Luke |url=http://www.foxsports.com/midwest/story/another-day-another-walk-off-2-1-st-louis-cardinals-win-with-a-matt-at-the-plate-050215 |title=Another day, another walk-off 2-1 Cardinals win with a Matt at the plate |publisher=Fox Sports |date=May 2, 2015 |access-date=May 6, 2015}} He left early the next day due to lightheadedness.{{cite web |last=Leshinski |first=Ted |url=http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/fantasybaseball/update/25172965/cardinals-3b-matt-carpenter-exits-game-with-light-headness |title=Cardinals 3B Matt Carpenter exits game with 'light headness' |publisher=CBS Sports Fantasy News |date=May 3, 2015 |access-date=May 6, 2015}} On May 6 against the Chicago Cubs, his three-run home run tied the score as St. Louis triumphed, 7–4. It was a four-RBI game, giving him 20 in his team's first 26 games.{{cite web |last=Thompson |first=Luke |url=http://www.foxsports.com/midwest/story/matt-carpenter-leads-red-hot-st-louis-cardinals-past-rival-chicago-cubs-050615 |title=Carpenter delivers against Cubs -- big surprise there, huh? |publisher=Fox Sports Midwest |date=May 6, 2015 |access-date=May 6, 2015}}

He was withheld from a weekend series against Pittsburgh May 8–10 due to "extreme fatigue",{{cite magazine |last=Geary |first=Molly |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2015/05/08/st-louis-cardinals-matt-carpenter-out-fatigue-pirates |title=Cardinals 3B Matt Carpenter to miss series vs. Pirates due to fatigue |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=May 8, 2015 |access-date=May 8, 2015}} after team physicians diagnosed dehydration and an accelerated heart rate.{{cite web |last=Goold |first=Derrick |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinal-beat/extreme-fatigue-sidelines-carpenter/article_908a9751-d2d2-5f31-83bc-cf375bb084cf.html |title='Extreme fatigue' sidelines Carpenter |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=May 9, 2015 |access-date=May 9, 2015}} On May 24 against the Royals, his eighth home run off Yordano Ventura matched his previous season's total. It was also Carpenter's 500th career hit and 300th career run scored.{{cite web |last=Hummel |first=Rick |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinal-beat/wacha-stops-royals-improves-to/article_1fac7242-6d41-5a9a-ab6d-56d0af2ecc3c.html |title=Wacha stops Royals, improves to 7–0 |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=May 24, 2015 |access-date=May 31, 2015}} In the month of June, he batted .190 with four doubles, no home runs and 10 RBI.{{cite web |last=McNeil |first=Steven |url=http://redbirdrants.com/2015/10/07/cardinals-matt-carpenter-nominated-for-hank-aaron-award-again/ |title=Matt Carpenter nominated for Hank Aaron award again |publisher=Redbirds Rants |date=October 9, 2015 |access-date=October 16, 2015}}

After being moved down in the order, Carpenter then endured a three-month slump in which he batted .216. He returned to the lead off position on July 30 for his first career multi-home run game. He also had four hits, four runs scored and four RBI, and was instrumental in a 9–8 home walk-off victory over the Colorado Rockies. Carpenter's ground rule double in the bottom of the ninth started the decisive rally.{{cite web |last=Hummel |first=Rick |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/carpenter-carries-cards-to-comeback-win/article_ab9d19a4-4654-5c64-9b73-f561e9739ba0.html |title=Carpenter carries Cards to comeback win |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=July 31, 2015 |access-date=July 31, 2015}}{{cite web |last=Saunders |first=Patrick |url=http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_28564273/rockies-blow-two-run-lead-ninth-lose-st |title=Rockies blow two-run lead in ninth, lose to St. Louis Cardinals |work=The Denver Post |date=July 31, 2015 |access-date=July 31, 2015}} He hit five home runs from July 30 to August 5.{{cite web |last=Goold |first=Derrick |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinal-beat/carpenter-launches-cardinals-to-last-gasp-tie/article_e0f21ef6-e769-547d-b8a7-9c59b47d9c1e.html |title=Grichuk lifts Cards to win in 13th inning at Cincy |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=August 5, 2015 |access-date=August 6, 2015}} In August, Baseball America rated Carpenter as having the third-best strike zone judgment in the NL.{{cite web |last=Goold |first=Derrick |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/birdland/cards-prospect-reyes-sweeps-tools-triple-crown/article_f54b08b2-e6e9-5e9d-83cb-b41769b3a5bd.html |title=Cards prospect Reyes sweeps 'Tools Triple Crown' |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=August 12, 2015 |access-date=August 12, 2015}} Carpenter reached 20 home runs for the first time in his career on August 30 in a 7–5 win over the Giants.{{cite web |last=Kroichik |first=Ron |url=http://www.sfgate.com/giants/article/Heston-stumbles-Giants-fall-to-Cardinals-6474903.php |title=Heston stumbles, Giants fall to Cardinals |work=San Francisco Chronicle |date=August 30, 2015 |access-date=August 30, 2015}} He led the National League in doubles (44) for a second time, and the Cardinals in home runs (28) and RBI (84). He also finished in the top ten in the National League in slugging percentage, on-base plus slugging, runs scored, total bases, walks, home runs and strikeouts. During his time batting second, he batted .225 with six home runs and 33 RBI. As the leadoff hitter, he batted .322 with 22 home runs, fifty RBIs{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.foxsports.com/midwest/story/cardinals-offense-gets-power-boost-from-leadoff-man-carpenter-100815 |title=Cardinals' offense gets power boost from leadoff man Carpenter |publisher=FOX Sports Midwest |date=October 8, 2015 |access-date=October 16, 2015}} and a 1.022 OPS.{{cite web |last=Gordon |first=Jeff |url=https://www.stltoday.com/gallery/sports/baseball/professional/cardinals-report-card/collection_7e8ad0cf-6e60-59a0-9eda-e619fdaf4fc4.html#0 |title=2015 Cardinals report card: Matt Carpenter B+ |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=October 15, 2015 |access-date=October 16, 2015}} He finished 12th in the MVP balloting.{{cite web |last=Perry |first=Dayn |author-link=Dayn Perry |url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/25381585/mlb-awards-2015-mvp-voting-results-and-ballots |title=MLB Awards: 2015 MVP voting results and ballots |publisher=CBS Sports |date=November 19, 2015 |access-date=May 27, 2016}}

File:Matt Carpenter in 2016.png

Carpenter's first career walk-off home run came on May 7, 2016, in a 6–4 win over Pittsburgh.{{cite web |author=The Sports Xchange |url=http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2016/05/08/Matt-Carpenter-fashions-first-walk-off-HR-for-St-Louis-Cardinals/2801462715244/?st_rec=7671452547980 |title=Matt Carpenter fashions first walk-off HR for St. Louis Cardinals |publisher=United Press International |date=May 8, 2016 |access-date=June 11, 2016}} On May 19, he established a new career-high six RBI in a game at Busch Stadium against the Colorado Rockies, with two doubles and his ninth home run of the season in 13–7 win.{{cite web |last=Overbey |first=Steve |url=http://www.foxsports.com/midwest/story/matt-carpenter-delivers-career-high-6-rbi-night-as-cards-pound-rockies-13-7-051916 |title=Carpenter delivers career-high six RBIs as Cards pound Rockies 13–7 |publisher=FOX Sports Midwest |date=May 20, 2016 |access-date=May 20, 2016}} From 2013 through May 2016, he led all major league leadoff hitters in hits, runs, home runs and RBI.{{cite web |last=Bailey |first=Mike |url=http://www.kmov.com/story/32105789/matt-carpenter-might-be-the-most-terrifying-lineup-topper-in-baseball |title=Matt Carpenter might be the most terrifying lineup-topper in baseball |publisher=KMOV |date=May 31, 2016 |access-date=May 31, 2016}} MLB named Carpenter the NL Player of the Week on June 6 after batting .560 with five doubles. He generated consecutive four-hit games against Milwaukee on May 30−31, then six hits in a three games series versus San Francisco,{{cite web |last=Trezza |first=Joe |url=http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/182453840/cardinals-matt-carpenter-wins-nl-pow |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160607102533/http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/182453840/cardinals-matt-carpenter-wins-nl-pow |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 7, 2016 |title=Carpenter garners NL Player of Week honors |publisher=St. Louis Cardinals |date=June 6, 2016 |access-date=June 6, 2016}} leading all of MLB with a .577 OBP and 10 runs. He produced a .920 SLG and 1.497 OPS.{{cite press release |title=Cardinals' Matt Carpenter named National League Player of the Week |date=June 6, 2016 |publisher=Major League Baseball |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/cardinals-matt-carpenter-named-national-league-player-of-the-week-182461992 |access-date=June 6, 2016}} After the series against the Giants, he moved back to second base to accommodate the return of Jhonny Peralta from the DL.{{cite web |last=Saxon |first=Mark |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/st-louis-cardinals/post/_/id/1595/matt-carpenter-helps-the-cardinals-grind-out-a-tough-series |title=Matt Carpenter helps the Cardinals grind out a tough series |publisher=ESPN |date=June 5, 2016 |access-date=June 8, 2016}}

After leading the NL in OPS (1.008) for the first half of the season, Carpenter was selected as a reserve on July 5 for the All-Star Game at Petco Park in San Diego.{{cite web |last=Saxon |first=Mark |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/st-louis-cardinals/post/_/id/1838/cardinals-lone-all-star-matt-carpenter-will-be-surrounded-by-cubs |title=Cardinals' lone All-Star, Matt Carpenter, will be surrounded by Cubs |publisher=ESPN |date=July 5, 2016 |access-date=July 5, 2016}} The Cardinals placed him on the 15-day DL on July 7 with an abdominal oblique strain.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.foxsports.com/midwest/story/st-louis-cardinals-matt-carpenter-goes-to-dl-aledmys-diaz-named-all-star-replacement-070716 |title=Carpenter goes to DL, Diaz named All-Star replacement |publisher=FOX Sports |date=July 7, 2016 |access-date=July 7, 2016}} After returning from the DL, he played in 51 games, batting .229, having a .410 slugging percentage, and a .726 OPS. He indicated he was still unable to swing properly after returning from the oblique injury. He completed the season having appeared in 129 games, and batting .271 with a career-high .885 OPS, twenty home runs, 36 doubles, and 68 RBIs.{{cite news |last=Goold |first=Derrick |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/versatility-became-a-necessity-for-cards/article_b8810380-d077-5d1c-b6ee-b2a03ebaa609.html |title=Versatility became a necessity for 2016 Cards |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=October 4, 2016 |access-date=October 5, 2016}} His 81 walks placed seventh and 135 adjusted OPS+ eighth in the league. On defense, he made at least 40 appearances each at first base, second base, and third base.

The Cardinals made Carpenter their primary first baseman to begin the 2017 season. He served a one-game suspension on April 25 of a series opener versus the Toronto Blue Jays for having bumped umpire John Tumpane two days prior, when he had been ejected for arguing a pair of called strikes in the seventh inning.{{cite news |last=Langosch |first=Jenifer |url=http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/226452788/cardinals-matt-carpenter-serves-suspension/?topicId=27118406 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427003600/http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/226452788/cardinals-matt-carpenter-serves-suspension/?topicId=27118406 |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 27, 2017 |title=Carpenter serves 1-game suspension in opener |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=April 25, 2017 |access-date=April 25, 2017}} Carpenter hit a walk-off grand slam, and the first grand slam of his career, in the 11th inning of an 8−4 victory, in the first game of a split double-header versus the Blue Jays on April 27.{{cite news |last1=Langosch |first1=Jenifer |last2=Chisolm |first2=Gregor |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/cardinals-matt-carpenter-hits-walk-off-slam-c226877798 |title=Carp's walk-off slam caps Cards' wild rebound |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=April 27, 2017 |access-date=April 27, 2017}} He homered on May 14 versus Arrieta, then with the Cubs, to end an 0-for-28 and nine-strikeout slump in their matchups.{{cite news |last=Gonzales |first=Mark |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/ct-cubs-jake-arrieta-tcu-matt-carpenter-20170514-story.html |title=Cubs' Jake Arrieta watches dominance over former TCU teammate Matt Carpenter end |work=Chicago Tribune |date=May 14, 2017 |access-date=April 11, 2018}} On May 17 versus the Boston Red Sox, Carpenter's sacrifice fly to shortstop Xander Bogaerts—the third of his career to the shortstop position—made him the only player since at least 1970 to accomplish the feat.{{cite news |last=Snyder |first=Matt |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/matt-carpenter-makes-quirky-history-with-his-run-scoring-sac-fly-to-the-shortstop/ |title=Matt Carpenter makes quirky history with his run-scoring sac fly to the shortstop |publisher=CBS Sports |date=May 17, 2017 |access-date=April 11, 2018}}

After experiencing tightness in his right quadriceps on July 23 versus the Cubs, Carpenter exited the game.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/cardinals-1b-matt-carpenter-leaves-right-quad-tightness/ |title=Cardinals 1B Matt Carpenter leaves with right quad tightness |work=Sportsnet.ca |date=July 23, 2017 |access-date=April 11, 2018}} He was removed from the lineup on August 23 versus the San Diego Padres due to an illness.{{cite news |author=RotoWire Staff |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cardinals-matt-carpenter-unavailable-due-to-illness/ |title=Cardinals' Matt Carpenter: Unavailable due to illness |publisher=CBS Sports |date=August 23, 2017 |access-date=April 11, 2018}} In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey flooding Greater Houston in late August, Carpenter announced that he would donate $10,000 to relief efforts for every homer he hit for the rest of the season. At the time, he had hit 17 in 121 games.{{cite magazine |last=Lancaster |first=Marc |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/news/houston-flooding-relief-matt-carpenter-cardinals-donation-home-runs/1do3557nnp2391fbw97tk7pipo |title=Cardinals' Matt Carpenter puts money where his bat is for Houston relief |magazine=Sporting News |date=August 28, 2017 |access-date=April 11, 2018}} Both Wainwright and the Cardinals offered to match his pledge.{{cite news |author=ESPN.com News Services |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/cardinals-match-matt-carpenter-adam-wainwright-pledges-harvey/story?id=49500515 |title=Cardinals to match Matt Carpenter, Adam Wainwright pledges for Harvey relief |publisher=ABC News |date=August 29, 2017 |access-date=April 11, 2018}} On September 5, an MRI of his shoulder revealed inflammation without significant damage.{{cite news |author=RotoWire Staff |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cardinals-matt-carpenter-day-to-day-following-mri/ |title=Cardinals' Matt Carpenter: Day-to-day following MRI |publisher=CBS Sports |date=September 5, 2017 |access-date=April 11, 2018}} Carpenter walked a career-high 109 times in 2017, ranking second in the NL.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2017-batting-leaders.shtml |title=2017 NL batting leaders |work=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=April 11, 2018}} For the season, he had the lowest ground ball percentage of all major league hitters (26.9%).{{cite web|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=2&season=2017&month=0&season1=2017&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=6,a |title=Major League Leaderboards » 2017 » Batters » Batted Ball Statistics |work=FanGraphs Baseball |access-date=November 3, 2020}} Over 145 games for the 2017 season, Carpenter batted .241/.384/.451 with 23 home runs and 69 RBIs.

While batting leadoff, Carpenter continued to produce at an elite level: in 2017, he attained a .418 OBP. Over 2,191 career plate appearances through 2017 while leading off, he slashed .291/.391/.487 with park-adjusted runs created (WRC+) of 142, or 42 percent above the league average. However as Matheny continued to utilize him in other spots in the batting order to attempt to increase the overall productivity of the Cardinals' lineup, the results were significantly inferior. Over 1,044 plate appearances, Carpenter went.243/.343/.395 with 104 WRC+.{{cite news |last=Miklasz |first=Bernie |url=https://www.101sports.com/2017/12/18/cardinals-leadoff-spot-reasons-matt-carpenter-absolutely-right-guy/ |title=Cardinals leadoff spot: Some reasons why Matt Carpenter is absolutely the right guy |publisher=WXOS |date=December 18, 2017 |access-date=April 11, 2018}} Because Carpenter did not permanently bat as the leadoff hitter, widespread debate and questioning of Matheny's decisions ensued.{{cite news |last=Buffa |first=Dan |url=http://www.ksdk.com/article/sports/commentary/buffa-matt-carpenter-likens-leadoff-efficiency-to-coincidence-and-experience/63-508195341 |title=Matt Carpenter likens leadoff efficiency to coincidence and experience |publisher=KSDK |date=January 18, 2018 |access-date=April 11, 2018}}

Following the season, an MRI on Carpenter's shoulder again revealed inflammation without further damage. It was determined that surgery was not necessary and an offseason of rest would be sufficient for recuperation.{{cite news |author=RotoWire Staff |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cardinals-matt-carpenter-will-avoid-shoulder-surgery/ |title=Cardinals' Matt Carpenter: Will avoid shoulder surgery |publisher=CBS Sports |date=October 1, 2017 |access-date=April 11, 2018}}

The 2018 season commenced with Carpenter laboring through one of the deepest hitting slumps of his career: through May 15, he batted .140 with a .558 OPS, ranking 157th of 163 hitters who had qualified for the batting title.{{cite news |last=Goold |first=Derrick |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/carpenter-records-most-productive-single-game-ever-for-a-cardinals/article_23425e19-b45d-5d73-95d7-2d0b0217960d.html |title=Carpenter records most productive single game ever for a Cardinals hitter |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=July 21, 2018 |access-date=July 21, 2018}} However that period of time was not without highlights for Carpenter. On April 10, he hit a walk-off home run in the 11th inning versus the Brewers, capping a 5−3 victory.{{cite news |last=Trezza |first=Joe |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/matt-carpenter-hits-11th-inning-walk-off-homer/c-271666616 |title=Carpenter nails door shut with walk-off HR in 11th: Cardinals mount three late-inning comebacks in victory over Brewers |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=April 10, 2018 |access-date=April 11, 2018}} He hit his 100th career home run on May 1, a game-tying hit in the ninth inning versus Joakim Soria of the Chicago White Sox, which the Cardinals eventually won, 3−2.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2018/05/01/sports/baseball/ap-bbo-white-sox-cardinals.html |title=Cardinals rally in 9th, top White Sox 3-2 on Molina's single |work=The New York Times |date=May 1, 2018 |access-date=May 2, 2018}} On June 26, Carpenter became the first player in Cardinals history to attain five hits, five runs scored, and two home runs in one game, in an 11–2 victory over ace Corey Kluber and the Cleveland Indians.{{cite news |last=Langosch |first=Jenifer |url=https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/news/matt-carpenter-gets-5-hits-2-hrs-in-cards-win/c-283075056 |title=Carpenter (5 hits, 2 HRs), Cards clobber Tribe: St. Louis chases Kluber early in ace's shortest career start |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=June 27, 2018 |access-date=June 27, 2018}} From May 15 until July 20 — a span of 214 at bats — Carpenter hit 20 home runs, 24 doubles, and .738 SLG. Meanwhile his improved performance garnered nomination as one of five finalists for the NL Final Vote to play in the All-Star Game, which the Brewers' Jesús Aguilar won.{{cite news |date=July 12, 2018 |title=Jesus Aguilar, Jean Segura named to All-Star Game in Final Vote |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24071912/2018-all-star-final-vote-winners-jesus-aguilar-milwaukee-brewers-jean-segura-seattle-mariners |access-date=July 21, 2018 |publisher=ESPN}}

During a matchup on July 20 at Wrigley Field versus the Chicago Cubs, Carpenter's three home runs and two doubles contributed to him tying or setting multiple records, while amassing all five hits and seven RBI within the first six innings of an 18−5 rout. He became the first player in Cardinal franchise history, and second in Major League history, to hit three home runs and two doubles in a single game, following Kris Bryant of the Cubs. One of Carpenter's home runs was leading off the game, passing Lou Brock for the franchise record with five in one season. Carpenter also tied Mark Whiten's club record with 16 total bases, which he generated in his landmark four home run game in 1993. Carpenter was removed from the game after the sixth inning.{{cite news |last=Langosch |first=Jenifer |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/matt-carpenter-leads-cardinals-to-rout-of-cubs/c-286525328 |title=Carp crushes 3 HRs as Cards rout rival Cubs |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=July 20, 2018 |access-date=July 20, 2018}} On July 22, he was named NL Player of the Week after batting .529 with six home runs and a 1.706 slugging percentage during St. Louis' five-game set in Chicago.{{cite news |last=Park |first=Do-Hyoung |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/matt-carpenter-rougned-odor-win-player-of-week/c-286950640 |title=Carpenter, Odor earn Player of Week honors |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=July 23, 2018 |access-date=July 23, 2018}}

On July 31, 2018, at Busch Stadium versus the Colorado Rockies Carpenter hit his 22nd career leadoff home run, breaking Brock's franchise record for most career leadoff home runs.{{cite news |last=Hummel |first=Rick |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/fast-start-before-cardinals-fall-to-gray-rockies/article_45a5a9f5-440d-5ca7-bed4-90adfbdda473.html |title=Fast start is where it ends for Cardinals and Flaherty in loss to Rockies |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=August 1, 2018 |access-date=August 8, 2018}} Meanwhile, Carpenter won his first career Player of the Month Award, having hit a major league-leading 11 home runs in July. He also batted .333/.447/.774, raising his season OPS from .871 to .960.{{cite news |last=Randhawa |first=Manny |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/jose-ramirez-matt-carpenter-players-of-month/c-288520052 |title=J-Ram, Carpenter earn Player of Month nods |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=August 2, 2018 |access-date=August 9, 2018}} He later set a career high in home runs with 29 before being named Player of the Week again on August 6. That week's production included 11-for-35, four home runs, seven runs scored, two doubles and eight walks, while extending an on-base streak to 24 games.{{cite news |last=Thornburg |first=Chad |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rougned-odor-matt-carpenter-pow-winners/c-289123992 |title=Odor, Carpenter named Players of the Week |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=August 6, 2018 |access-date=August 9, 2018}} His resurgent performance gained national attention as an MVP candidate, having established himself as the league leader in doubles, home runs, slugging percentage, OPS, and Fangraphs WAR in early August.{{cite news |last=Posnanski |first=Joe |author-link=Joe Posnanski |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/matt-carpenter-a-surprising-mvp-candidate/c-289196174 |title=Is resurgent Carpenter NL MVP Award material?: Cardinals veteran has slugged his way into the national spotlight |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=August 6, 2018 |access-date=August 8, 2018}}{{cite magazine |last=Fagan |first=Ryan |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/nl-mvp-race-javy-javier-baez-matt-carpenter-cubs-cardinals-max-scherzer-nationals-nolan-arenado-lorenzo-cain/nplczk414bh21ao3hu7q9iidn |title=NL MVP race: Division rivals Javy Baez, Matt Carpenter square off as top candidates |magazine=The Sporting News |date=August 8, 2018 |access-date=August 9, 2018}} However, Carpenter faltered in September, batting just .170 and hitting only one home run.{{cite web |date=October 1, 2018 |title=What Is Carpenter's Issue? |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/what-is-carpenter-s-issue/article_f5430a93-3be7-5f21-9f19-73edf12059a4.html |access-date=November 3, 2020 |website=St. Louis Post-Dispatch}}

Carpenter finished the 2018 campaign batting .257 with 36 home runs and 81 RBI in 156 games.{{cite news |url=https://www.kmov.com/sports/st-louis-cardinals-player-grades-infielders/article_2915bed4-c8d5-11e8-a877-9bde9e3f4fee.html |title=St. Louis Cardinals 2018 player grades: Infielders | Sports |work=KMOV |date=October 5, 2018 |access-date=November 3, 2020}} He had the highest percentage of hard-hit batted balls in the majors (49.0%), and for the second season in a row, he had the lowest ground ball percentage of all major league hitters (26.4%).{{cite web |title=Major League Leaderboards » 2018 » Batters » Batted Ball Statistics |url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=2&season=2018&month=0&season1=2018&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=19,d |access-date=November 3, 2020 |website=FanGraphs Baseball}}{{cite web |title=Major League Leaderboards » 2018 » Batters » Batted Ball Statistics |url=https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=2&season=2018&month=0&season1=2018&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=6,a |access-date=November 3, 2020 |website=FanGraphs Baseball}} Over 564 at bats, the entire season elapsed with Carpenter having avoided grounding into a double play, making him the first Cardinal to achieve the feat with at least 550 at-bats.{{cite news |last=Hummel |first=Rick |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinals-cut-ties-with-carpenter-and-martinez/article_1ccdc249-e894-528d-827b-0c9eff8c032e.html |title=Cardinals cut ties with Carpenter and Martinez |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=November 5, 2021 |access-date=November 5, 2021}}

On April 10, 2019, Carpenter signed a two-year, $39 million contract extension to remain with the Cardinals. The deal included a vesting option for 2022 worth $18.5 million by reaching 1,100 plate appearances in 2019–20.{{cite news |last1=Langosch |first1=Jenifer |title=Matt Carpenter, Cards reach 2-year extension |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/matt-carpenter-cardinals-extension |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=April 10, 2019 |access-date=April 10, 2019}}

From September 9, 2017, to April 14, 2019, Carpenter hit 43 home runs between grounding into double plays, a record until surpassed by Byron Buxton in 2022.{{cite news |last=Langs |first=Sarah |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/byron-buxton-most-home-runs-between-double-plays |title=Buxton's power-speed combo puts him in record books |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=June 13, 2022 |access-date=June 13, 2022}}

Carpenter struggled to begin the 2019 season. Through July 2, he was hitting .216/.325/.381 with ten home runs,{{cite web |date=July 2, 2019 |title=Carpenter to IL with back injury | St Louis Cardinals News |url=https://www.kmov.com/sports/st_louis_cardinals/carpenter-to-il-with-back-injury/article_332a08e8-9d1a-11e9-b0bc-d32801721153.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703160215/https://www.kmov.com/sports/st_louis_cardinals/carpenter-to-il-with-back-injury/article_332a08e8-9d1a-11e9-b0bc-d32801721153.html |archive-date=2019-07-03 |publisher=KMOV}} and was placed on the injured list with a lower back strain that same day.{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Anne |date=2019-07-03 |title=Carpenter (lower back strain) placed on IL |url=https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/news/matt-carpenter-injured-list |access-date=2025-02-02 |publisher=Major League Baseball |language=en-US}} He was activated on July 11, but placed back on the IL after fouling a ball off of his foot.{{cite web|last=Rogers |first=Anne |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/matt-carpenter-placed-on-injured-list |title=Matt Carpenter placed on injured list |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=July 17, 2019 |access-date=November 3, 2020}} He was reinstated from the IL on August 4.{{cite web |date=2019-08-04 |title=Cardinals' Matt Carpenter activated from injured list |url=https://www.apnews.com/article/27ebc3d67a15469abf802242d5fb76cf |access-date=2025-02-02 |publisher=Associated Press}} Overall, Carpenter hit .226/.334/.392 with 15 home runs and 46 RBIs over 129 games.{{Cite web |date=January 20, 2020 |title=Cards' Carpenter 'wanted to apologize' after '19 |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/28525448/cardinals-matt-carpenter-personal-motivation-rough-2019 |access-date=July 8, 2021 |publisher=ESPN |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}

In the pandemic-shortened 60-game season in 2020, Carpenter appeared in 50 games, with new career-lows in his entire slash line of .186/.325/.314.{{Cite web |last=Graves |first=Matt |date=December 6, 2020 |title=St. Louis Cardinals: Searching for hope in Matt Carpenter's 2020 |url=https://redbirdrants.com/2020/12/06/st-louis-cardinals-searching-hope-matt-carpenters-2020/ |access-date=July 8, 2021 |website=Redbird Rants |language=en-US}}

Carpenter entered the 2021 season as a backup and bench player after the Cardinals acquired third baseman Nolan Arenado and announced that Tommy Edman would be the primary second baseman.{{Cite web |last=Silver |first=Zachary |date=March 28, 2021 |title=Carpenter to start '21 season in bench role |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/matt-carpenter-2021-bench-role-with-cardinals |access-date=July 8, 2021 |publisher=Major League Baseball |language=en}} On May 15, 2021, in the bottom of the 7th inning against the San Diego Padres, Carpenter made his first appearance pitching.{{Cite web |last=Silver |first=Zachary |date=May 16, 2021 |title=Waino goes off-script: Carpenter a twist |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/matt-carpenter-mops-up-for-adam-wainwright |access-date=July 8, 2021 |publisher=Major League Baseball |language=en}} He gave up an RBI single to Austin Nola, before getting Brian O’Grady to pop out to end the inning. For the 2021 season, Carpenter batted .169/.305/.275 with three home runs and 21 RBIs over 207 at-bats.{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Jeff |date=October 14, 2021 |title=Cardinals 2021 report card: Hitters were horrid until they were great |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinals-2021-report-card-hitters-were-horrid-until-they-were-great/collection_38c7e5ea-9106-5018-aeff-3f7ba5016479.html#16 |url-access=subscription |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=St. Louis Post-Dispatch}}

Following the season's end, the Cardinals declined Carpenter's option for the 2022 season, making him a free agent for the first time in his career.

Carpenter, frustrated with how his career in Saint Louis ended, reached out to former NL Central rival Joey Votto, on how to resurge his career like Votto did following the shorted 2020 season. After taking notes and advice from Votto, Carpenter pledged in that off-season he would travel around the country in order to fix his swing. He spent time in Baton Rouge, LA., Santa Clarita. CA., and finally in Stillwater, OK., with a trusted former teammate. Carpenter eventually went to Marruci and later found out switching the type of bat he used, would ultimately improve his swing and therefore his production. {{Cite news |last=Rosenthal |first=Ken |title='Help me fix this': Inside Matt Carpenter's cross-country quest to remake his swing |url=https://theathletic.com/3142459/2022/02/23/help-me-fix-this-inside-matt-carpenters-cross-country-quest-to-remake-his-swing/ |access-date=May 9, 2023 |website=The Athletic |language=en}}

File:Matt Carpenter (Express).jpg in 2022]]

On March 18, 2022, Carpenter signed a minor-league contract with the Texas Rangers with an invitation to major-league spring training.{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Steve |date=2022-03-19 |title=Rangers, Matt Carpenter Agree To Minor League Deal |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/03/rangers-sign-matt-carpenter.html |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} Carpenter did not make the Rangers' Opening Day roster,{{cite news |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/matt-carpenter-will-not-make-rangers-opening-day-roster |title=Carpenter doesn't make Rangers' Opening Day roster |first=Kennedi |last=Landry |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=April 3, 2022 |accessdate=April 11, 2022}} and he accepted an assignment with the Triple-A Round Rock Express.{{cite news |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/express-finds-first-win-in-game-four-against-chihuahuas/n-5809661 |title=Express Finds First Win in Game Four against Chihuahuas |website=oursportscentral.com |date=April 9, 2022 |accessdate=April 11, 2022}} On May 19, 2022, the Rangers released Carpenter after he batted .275 with six home runs over 21 games.{{cite web |date=May 19, 2022 |title=Ex-All-Star INF Carpenter released by Rangers |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/33947630/former-all-star-infielder-matt-carpenter-released-texas-rangers-triple-team |access-date=2025-02-02 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}}

On May 26, 2022, the New York Yankees signed Carpenter to a major-league contract.{{Cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/33988835/matt-carpenter-signs-major-league-deal-new-york-yankees |title=Matt Carpenter signs major league deal with New York Yankees |date=May 26, 2022 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=May 26, 2022}} On June 12, Carpenter became the first Yankee to hit six or more home runs in his first 10 games with the team. That day, he tied his career high with seven RBI, while hitting two home runs with a double and a walk to lead a defeat of the Chicago Cubs, 18–4.{{cite magazine |last=Selbe |first=Nick |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2022/06/12/matt-carpenter-yankees-home-run-history |title=Matt Carpenter becomes first Yankee to hit six home runs in first 10 games |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=June 12, 2022 |access-date=June 12, 2022}} Carpenter broke a team record for home runs in a player's first 30 games with the Yankees, hitting two three-run home runs against the Red Sox on July 16; his total of 13 homers broke the team record previously set by Kevin Maas in 1990 and Glenallen Hill in 2000.{{cite news |url=https://nypost.com/2022/07/16/aaron-judge-matt-carpenter-hit-2-hrs-apiece-in-yankees-win/ |title=Aaron Judge, Matt Carpenter belt two HRs apiece in Yankees' blowout win |first=Dan |last=Martin |website=New York Post |date=July 16, 2022 |accessdate=July 17, 2022}} He became the first Yankees outfielder with seven RBIs in a game against the Red Sox since Joe DiMaggio accomplished the feat in 1940.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/nick-pivetta-allows-two-homers-vs-yankees |title=Pivetta stung by 'lack of command' vs. Yankees |first=Bill |last=Ladson |publisher=Major League Baseball |date=July 17, 2022 |accessdate=July 17, 2022}}

During his tenure on the Yankees, Carpenter served as a utility player, far exceeding offensive expectations from manager Aaron Boone. On July 18, 2022, Carpenter was named AL Player of the Week, succeeding teammate Aaron Judge.{{Cite web |last=Harrigan |first=Thomas |date=2022-07-18 |title=Carpenter, Freeman win Player of the Week honors |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/matt-carpenter-freddie-freeman-named-players-of-the-week#:~:text=Carpenter%20is%20Player%20of%20the%20Week&text=354%20with%2013%20homers%2C%2034,but%20his%20first%20since%202018. |access-date=2025-02-02 |publisher=Major League Baseball |language=en-US}} On August 8, Carpenter fouled a pitch off his left foot, breaking it and putting him on the injured list for an estimated 6–8 weeks.{{cite news |last=Phillips |first=Gary |date=2022-08-11 |title=Matt Carpenter Out 6-8 Weeks, Doesn't Need Surgery |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/yankees/news/new-york-matt-carpenter-foot-fracture-injury-timeline |access-date=2025-02-02 |website=Sports Illustrated}} Carpenter returned from the injured list for the 2022 postseason, going 1-for-12 with nine strikeouts and zero walks over six games played.{{Cite web |title=Matt Carpenter Game by Game Stats and Performance |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/gamelog/_/id/31015/matt-carpenter |access-date=December 27, 2022 |publisher=ESPN |language=en}}

On December 20, 2022, Carpenter signed a one-year, $6.5 million contract with the San Diego Padres that included a $5 million player option for a second year.{{Cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/35292820/sources-san-diego-padres-1-year-deal-matt-carpenter |title=Padres sign Matt Carpenter to 1-year contract |date=December 20, 2022 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=December 20, 2022}}{{Cite web |title=Matt Carpenter |url=https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/san-diego-padres/matt-carpenter-8735/#:~:text=Current%20Contract,a%20total%20salary%20of%20$6,500,000. |access-date=April 25, 2023 |website=Spotrac.com |language=en-US}} He hit .176 in 76 games for the Padres in 2023 with five homers and 31 RBI.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=carpema01&t=b&year=2023|title=Matt Carpenter 2023 Batting Gamelogs|work=Baseball Reference|accessdate=December 18, 2023}} He exercised his player option for the 2024 season.{{cite news |title=Matt Carpenter exercises $5.5 million option with Padres, and Seth Lugo declines $7.5 million option |url=https://apnews.com/article/padres-options-carpenter-lugo-4e4d33951f47a5ac98049a8f9b12c45b |access-date=December 19, 2023 |publisher=Associated Press |date=November 3, 2023}}

On December 15, 2023, the Padres traded Carpenter and Ray Kerr with cash considerations to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for Drew Campbell.{{cite news |date=December 15, 2023 |title=Matt Carpenter acquired by Braves in multiplayer trade with Padres |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39121337/matt-carpenter-acquired-braves-multiplayer-trade-padres |access-date=December 16, 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Toscano |first1=Justin |date=December 15, 2023 |title=Braves acquire two players in a trade with San Diego |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-acquire-two-players-in-a-trade-with-san-diego/A6XREG2HWZCLLPFHJRD3KTWFG4/ |access-date=December 16, 2023}} He was released by the Braves three days later.{{Cite news |date=December 18, 2023 |title=Braves release Matt Carpenter days after deal with Padres |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39141831/braves-release-matt-carpenter-days-deal-padres |access-date=December 19, 2023 |publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}}

File:Dimondbacks cards 8-7-2425224-Enhanced-NR.png

On January 19, 2024, Carpenter signed a one-year contract to return with the Cardinals.{{cite news |title=Matt Carpenter rejoins Cardinals |url=https://www.thetelegraph.com/sports/article/matt-carpenter-rejoins-cardinals-signs-18617255.php |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=The Telegraph |date=January 19, 2024}}{{cite news |title=Matt Carpenter returning to Cardinals on one-year deal |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39344156/matt-carpenter-returning-cardinals-one-year-deal |access-date=January 21, 2024 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN |date=January 19, 2024}}

;Statistical achievements

Note: Through 2015 season. Per Baseball-Reference.com.

When he was in high school, Matt Carpenter was given a framed poster of Lance Berkman, his childhood hero and also his teammate from 2011–12. The poster was a gift from his now-wife, Mackenzie (Detmore) Carpenter.{{cite magazine |last=Pearlman |first=Jeff |author-link=Jeff Pearlman |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jeff_pearlman/03/22/matt.carpenter/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110325215522/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/jeff_pearlman/03/22/matt.carpenter/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 25, 2011 |title=Cardinals' Matt Carpenter moves closer to dream of big leagues |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=March 22, 2011}} Carpenter and Mackenzie attended the same High School, where they began to date.{{Cite web |date=July 16, 2013 |title=Matt Carpenter's wife Mackenzie Carpenter |url=http://www.playerwives.com/mlb/st-louis-cardinals/matt-carpenters-wife-mackenzie-carpenter/ |access-date=April 25, 2023 |website=PlayerWives.com |language=en-US}} After becoming engaged in May 2011, the couple were married on December 10, 2011, in Missouri City, Texas.{{cite web |url=http://www.playerwives.com/mlb/st-louis-cardinals/matt-carpenters-wife-mackenzie-carpenter/ |title=Matt Carpenter's wife Mackenzie Carpenter |website=Player Wives |date=October 7, 2014}} Jake Arrieta served as a groomsman. The Carpenters' first child, a daughter, was born May 25, 2016.{{cite web |last=Goold |first=Derrick |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/carpenter-on-paternity-leave-g-garcia-recalled/article_94a3d5f4-246c-5b3a-83dc-0b4ed4bc867d.html |title=Carpenter on paternity leave; G. Garcia recalled |newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=May 26, 2016 |access-date=May 27, 2016}}{{cite news |last=Stevenson |first=Stefan |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/mlb/article84624187.html |title=Mr. Cardinal, Matt Carpenter, remains proud Horned Frog |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |date=June 18, 2016 |access-date=June 22, 2016}} Mackenzie gave birth to their second child, a boy, on November 20, 2017.{{cite news |url=http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2017/11/20/have-you-met-matt-carpenters-new-baby-boy-kannon/ |title=Have you met Matt Carpenter's new baby boy: Kannon |publisher=KMOV |date=November 20, 2017 |access-date=April 11, 2018}}

Carpenter is a Christian. He has said, “There was so much relief in [surrendering my life to Christ]. From that point on, literally, like it changed me. … The game of baseball I have no control over. The game of life I have no control over. All I have is my faith. If you’re looking for some solid ground or some rock to hold onto, there’s only one way and that’s through Him.”{{cite web |last1=Mercer |first1=Kevin |title=Matt Carpenter sets Yankees franchise record amid hot start as he stays rooted in Christ |url=https://sportsspectrum.com/sport/baseball/2022/06/13/yankees-matt-carpenter-hot-start-rooted-christ/ |website=Sports Spectrum |date=June 13, 2022 |access-date=June 16, 2022}} When Carpenter had elbow surgery at Texas Christian University, he stated that he leaned on his faith during that tough time. "But when you have something taken away from you, it really opens up your eyes to what’s really important, and it took me leaning on my faith to get to the point where I could play the game again."{{Cite web |last=mcardinal |date=July 6, 2022 |title=Faith is the foundation for Yankees slugger Matt Carpenter |url=https://fism.tv/faith-is-the-foundation-for-yankees-slugger-matt-carpenter/ |access-date=May 9, 2023 |website=FISM TV |language=en-US}}

Known for being one of the few major leaguers to not wear batting gloves during games, Carpenter has said that he has not worn them in organized baseball except for one game during college in Colorado Springs while visiting Air Force. His right palm shows the effects of not wearing gloves; he has many calluses and small cuts.{{cite web |last=Frankel |first=Todd |url=https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/matt-carpenter-stands-out-for-what-he-doesn-t-wear/article_ad965a88-33bf-5c63-9881-18b1861df249.html |title=Matt Carpenter stands out for what he doesn't wear |work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch |date=April 21, 2012 |access-date=July 27, 2014}}

In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey flooding the Greater Houston area in 2017, Carpenter pledged to donate $10,000 to the flooding victims for every home run he hit the remainder of the season.{{cite news |url=http://fox2now.com/2017/08/29/matt-carpenter-homers-cardinals-beat-up-on-brewers-10-2/ |title=Matt Carpenter homers, raises $40K for flood relief in Houston |publisher=KTVI |agency=Associated Press |date=August 29, 2017 |access-date=April 11, 2018}}{{cite magazine |last=Kloepple |first=Sarah |url=https://www.stlmag.com/news/st-louis-hurricane-harvey/ |title=How St. Louis is contributing to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts |magazine=St. Louis Magazine |date=August 29, 2017 |access-date=April 15, 2018}}

{{Portal|Baseball|Texas|Biography}}

• List of Major League Baseball annual runs scored leaders
• List of Major League Baseball annual doubles leaders
• List of Major League Baseball doubles records
• St. Louis Cardinals award winners and league leaders

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{{reflist|30em}}

{{commons category|Matt Carpenter (baseball)}}

{{baseballstats|mlb=572761|espn=31015|br=c/carpema01|fangraphs=8090|brm=carpen002mat|retro=C/Pcarpm002}}

• [http://gofrogs.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/carpenter_matt00.html TCU Horned Frogs bio]
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{{succession box | title=Major League Baseball annual hits leader | before= Derek Jeter| years=2013
(with Adrián Beltré) | after = Jose Altuve}}

{{succession box|before=Paul Goldschmidt |title=National League Player of the Month|years=July 2018 |after=Justin Turner}}

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{{NL 2B Silver Slugger Award}}

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