Yankees Analyst Eyes Potential Reunion with Former Slugger
In a recent turn of events, the Atlanta Braves acquired slugger Matt Carpenter through a trade only to release him a few days later, unable to secure a deal for his contract. Carpenter, once a formidable force as a table-setter with the St. Louis Cardinals, experienced a resurgence in 2022 when the New York Yankees played a pivotal role in transforming him into a prominent slugger. During his brief stint with the Yankees that year, Carpenter showcased an impressive performance, boasting a .305/.412/.727 line and a remarkable 1.138 OPS over 47 games.
Despite this successful stretch, Carpenter’s journey took a different turn in 2023 when he secured a contract with the San Diego Padres. Unfortunately, he grappled with injuries and inconsistency, resulting in a lackluster .641 OPS over 76 games. Fireside Yankees, a dedicated group of analysts, suggests that a reunion between Carpenter and the Yankees could be beneficial, contingent on the terms of the agreement.
The potential reunion hinges on Carpenter’s contract preferences. Should he seek a Major League Baseball (MLB) contract, other opportunities may beckon. However, if he is open to a minor league deal with an invitation to camp, especially if guaranteed MLB time proves elusive, the Yankees could benefit from exploring whether the left-handed batter has anything left to offer.
Carpenter’s left-handed prowess was evident in 2022, where he capitalized on the dimensions of Yankee Stadium, particularly the short porch, hitting 15 home runs in 47 games. The pivotal question now centers on whether Carpenter resembles his stellar 2022 version or the less impressive 2023 iteration. Even in 2022, Carpenter faced a setback when a fractured foot prematurely ended his season after a fast start.
Considering Carpenter’s potential value as a depth option, the notion of bringing him back into the Yankees’ fold is not without merit. As the team evaluates its roster and assesses the left-handed batter’s current form, the prospect of a reunion remains an intriguing possibility for the Yankees.
Matt Carpenter is now a free agent after being released by the Braves.
Should the #Yankees bring the king back to the Bronx?馃憖#RepBX pic.twitter.com/fK8x6KH0hM
— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) December 18, 2023
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