Matt Carpenter getting chance with Texas Rangers

Matt Carpenter appeared to be done. His bat had slowed down and he simply did not hit enough to warrant a roster spot any longer. While his defensive versatility would be valuable, his days as an All Star or an MVP candidate were long behind him.

Carpenter did not want to go out that way. He was determined to show that he could still be a major league asset, even recruiting Joey Votto to help him with his swing. But it was still a matter of whether or not a team would give him that chance. Enter the Texas Rangers.

Texas Rangers giving Matt Carpenter his chance

According to reports, the Rangers have signed the long time Cardinals infielder to a minor league contract with an invitation to the major league side of spring training. If he does stick with the Rangers, he will earn $2 million.

That is a big if. Carpenter has been brutal over the past two seasons, posting a combined .176/.313/.291 batting line in his 418 plate appearances, hitting seven homers and 17 doubles. He was still showing a solid eye at the plate, drawing 58 walks, but the ball was no longer jumping off of his bat the way it used to and he appeared overmatched at the plate.

But there is some hope that he can rebound, even at 36 years old. Votto felt that there is still something left in the tank with Carpenter, and that it was just a matter of making some adjustments. If those adjustments can help Carpenter make more, and harder, contact, he could be a bargain.

It certainly helps that the Rangers will not need to rely upon Carpenter to be a key part of the roster. He would be a solid utility option, capable of playing first, second, and third if needed. As there is currently some uncertainty around third base for the Rangers, Carpenter is a valuable insurance option.

Matt Carpenter wanted one more chance to prove he had something left in the tank. The Texas Rangers are giving him that shot to prove himself.