Braves Trade for Padres Designated Hitter Matt Carpenter

Matt Carpenter is an Atlanta Brave.

Carpenter, a three-time All-Star during his time with the St. Louis Cardinals, was dealt from the San Diego Padres to Atlanta on Friday.

As part of the trade, the Braves received Carpenter, right-handed pitcher Ray Kerr and cash considerations in exchange for minor-league prospect Drew Campbell.

The 38-year-old designated hitter batted .176 in 76 games for the Padres this past season, with five home runs and 31 RBIs. Outside of his 2022 renaissance with the New York Yankees, Carpenter has not batted above the Mendoza Line since 2019.

Kerr, entering his third year in the majors, appeared in 22 games for the Padres last season, posting a 4.33 ERA in 27 innings pitched. Campell, a 26-year-old outfielder, batted .254 in 78 games for the Double AA Mississippi Braves in 2023.

The Braves are coming off a sterling 104-58 mark in 2023. However, they bowed out of the National League Divisional Series in disappointing fashion to the division-rival Philadelphia Phillies.

Now, with the Los Angeles Dodgers adding Shohei Ohtani and pitcher Tyler Glasnow, Atlanta figures to be in a spirited race for the NL pennant