The San Diego Padres signed free agent Matt Carpenter to a one-year contract for the 2023 season that includes a player option for 2024, the team announced Tuesday.
Carpenter, 37, revitalized his career in 2022 after hitting 15 home runs in 47 games for the New York Yankees before breaking his left foot in early August. He missed the rest of the regular season because of the injury but returned in the postseason.
The 12-year veteran played most of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals before signing with the Yankees last season after the Texas Rangers let him go in May. He found his hitting stroke in July when he hit nine home runs while batting .356, helping the Yankees to a huge division lead and then the AL East title.
Carpenter could be used as a super utility player for the Padres, as he's likely to see time at first and second base as well as left field.
He's a career .263 hitter with an .825 OPS.