In the span of less than three weeks, Matt Carpenter went from being unemployed to setting hitting records for the best team in baseball.
Carpenter launched two home runs during the Yankees’ 18-4 demolition of the Cubs on Sunday — becoming the first player in franchise history to belt six or more through his first 10 games.
The 36-year-old — who was released from a two-way deal with the Rangers on May 19 that saw him playing in the minors — is now a major contributor to the Yankees, who have won 11 of their last 12 for an MLB-best 44-16 record.
- Carpenter is only the second player since 1900 (Trevor Story, 2016) to homer on six of his first seven hits in a season.
- New York leads the majors with 27 multi-HR games.
- The Yankees also top MLB with 98 homers — the Braves’ 84 are a distant second.
Carpenter’s deal with New York will reportedly pay him $1 million for major league games and $200,000 in the minors.
The longtime Cardinal’s bargain contributions are certainly appreciated in the Bronx, especially since the biggest — and potentially most expensive — name in town is still Aaron Judge.
Judge’s 24 long balls lead MLB, but his long-awaited arbitration hearing is scheduled for June 22, putting pressure on the Yankees to lock him in before then.
