Braves Surprisingly Land Ex-Cardinals All-Star After Inconsistent 2023 Season

The Braves traded for a former Cardinals All-Star after a rough 2023 campaign

The Atlanta Braves have been extremely busy so far this offseason.

Atlanta was far and away the best team in the regular season last year and won a league-high 104 games. Although the Braves were loaded all over the roster, Atlanta was unable to go deep into the playoffs and was upset by the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Division Series. 

The Braves have been busy this offseason and continued adding Friday by acquiring former St. Louis Cardinals All-Star Matt Carpenter, left-handed pitcher Ray Kerr, and cash considerations from the San Diego Padres in exchange for outfielder Drew Campbell, according to the club. 

"We have acquired OF Drew Campbell from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for DH/INF Matt Carpenter, LHP Ray Kerr, and cash considerations," the Padres said.

Carpenter spent the 2023 campaign with the Padres but struggled across 76 games. The three-time All-Star slugged five home runs, drove in 31 runs, and slashed .176/.322/.319. He is 38 years old and likely is much more of a depth piece at this point in his career rather than a starter but could help a club out. 

In 2022, Carpenter appeared in 47 games with the New York Yankees and crushed 15 home runs, drove in 37 runs, and slashed .305/.412/.727. If he could get back to this level of play, he would be a very solid depth piece. 

Although this is the case, it doesn't sound like he will serve in this role with Atlanta. The Braves acquired Carpenter but will look to trade him away, according to The Athletic's David O'Brien.

"To reiterate, the Braves are expected to flip Carpenter to another team, sooner rather than later," O'Brien said. "Like they did with the bad contracts they took on in deal for (Jarred Kelenic)."

Don't be surprised if Carpenter is on the move again in the not-so-distant future.

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