The St. Louis Cardinals chances of reaching the postseason are all but lost after they were swept by the Toronto Blue Jays and knocked back below the .500 mark.
They are now 12 games back in the National League Central and seven back in the Wild Card race. Now, they prepare for their final homestand of the 2024 season.
Because of where they stand, they may be making some changes this offseason. One of these changes could include saying goodbye to a franchise legend.
Benjamin Hochman of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch noted that the end could be near for Matt Carpenter.
Carpenter came up to the Major Leagues with the Cardinals in 2011 and received a World Series ring despite only playing a few games. He was a three-time All-Star in his first stint in St. Louis and even helped guide St. Louis back to the World Series in 2013.
After brief stops with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres, the 38-year-old returned to St. Louis for 2024. But the end could be near for the future Cardinals Hall-of-Famer.
Carpenter is hitting .236 with four home runs, 15 RBI, and a .695 OPS. Though his playing time has been limited, he was brought back to be a veteran presence in the clubhouse following last year's 71-91 finish.
Hochman noted that the Cardinals could bring back Carpenter for 2025 if he wants to return. But in all likelihood, this is the end of Carpenter's time in St. Louis.
It will be interesting to see what the Cardinals decide to do with him as they turn their focus to 2025.
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