All of Carp’s post-Cards success was during 47 games with the Yankees in 2022. But when it ended, it ended fast. Immediately after that late-season burst, he went 1-for-12 with nine Ks in the playoffs, and NY didn’t want him back for 2023. But those 47 games were enough to induce the Pads to give him two years. They should have known better.
Regarding comparing to others, Carp dropped off at age 32, earlier than most players. I get why they initially thought he could come back, but it went on and on and on… The closest situation I can compare it to was Allen Craig, but in that case, they unloaded him before his value totally cratered.
Giving out no trade protection so frequently can turn around to bite a team later. Some folks think that is easy to get around, but it isn’t. And when you are already averse to eating money, having to burn more cash to buy out the NTC tips the scales even further.
I will give the Cards credit for finally buying out the final year of Dexter Fowler’s deal, to the tune of $12.75 million, if I recall correctly. Though I was critical of the Padres, they bought down the cost of trading Carp’s bad contract by giving the Braves a useful player (and some cash) with him. The Cards FO hasn’t shown that type of creativity and them giving up too soon on future All-Stars makes them even more gun shy to trade.
They made their bed…