Report: Braves release INF Matt Carpenter

Field Level Media|published: Mon 18th December, 12:22 2023

Sep 3, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Matt Carpenter (14) looks on after striking out against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning at Petco Park. credits: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Braves released veteran infielder Matt Carpenter on Monday, roughly 72 hours after acquiring him from San Diego, MLB.com reported.

The Braves traded for Carpenter and left-hander Ray Kerr on Friday and planned to try and flip Carpenter afterward but found no takers, per the report. The Braves are on the hook for $4 million of Carpenter's salary in 2024 while the Padres owe $1.5 million.

Carpenter, 38, is now a free agent who would cost a new team the league minimum.

Carpenter hit .176 with five home runs and 31 RBIs in 76 games with the Padres in 2023. His last game was Sept. 10 due to elbow inflammation.

The Padres signed Carpenter to a two-year deal worth $12 million last December, with the $5.5 million player option for 2024.

Carpenter is a career .260 hitter with 175 home runs for three teams, most notably the St. Louis Cardinals (2011-21). He is a three-time All-Star.

—Field Level Media