The beauty of baseball is that while the sport has no shortage of high-profile stars, it also gives lesser-known players the chance to shine and make a name for themselves.
The Detroit Tigers have been rebuilding for a while but are finally starting to hit their stride as their young talent comes into its own. A big part of that youth movement is Kerry Carpenter’s bat. The outfielder isn’t known for a high batting average, but he packs plenty of pop.
Carpenter has even earned the nickname “Kerry Bonds” from baseball analysts, thanks to his smooth left-handed swing and impressive power. He tends to fly under the radar—until the Tigers need a clutch hit, when he rises to the occasion.
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Here is more on Carpenter, who became a household name in the ALDS.
Who is Kerry Carpenter?
Carpenter was born in Eustis, Florida, in 1997. He attended St. Johns River State College before transferring to Virginia Tech after two years. The Tigers drafted him in the 19th round of the 2019 MLB Draft. Carpenter worked his way up through the minor league system and made his major league debut in 2022. The lefty is hitting .268 through the 2025 regular season, with 70 home runs and 193 RBIs in his career so far.
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Kerry Carpenter contract details
Carpenter made just $796,800 in 2025 with his pre-arbitration contract. He is first eligible for arbitration in 2026, but it scheduled to make $3.5 million.
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Is Kerry Carpenter related to Matt Carpenter?
Despite sharing a last name, no Kerry and Matt Carpenter are not related.
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Where is Kerry Carpenter from?
Carpenter was born in Eustis, Florida. The city is located in the center of the state, about 39 miles northwest of Orlando.
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Kerry Carpenter clutch home runs
Carpenter has garnered the nickname “Kerry Bonds” thanks to his powerful left-handed swing. He is still in the early part of his big league career, but that hasn’t stopped him from hitting some impactful home runs.
2024 ALDS — Game 2
Carpenter made the playoffs for the first time in 2024. After Detroit swept the Houston Astros in the Wild Card round, the Tigers faced the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS. The series was tied 0-0 in the bottom of the ninth in Game 2 when Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase gave up a three-run shot to Carpenter — the game-winner for Detroit.
2025 ALDS — Game 1
The Tigers and the Mariners matched up in the 2025 ALDS. Detroit was down 1-0 in the fifth inning of Game 1, until Carpenter launched a two run home run. It ended up being the only two runs that the Tigers scored in regulation, and they would go on to win in extra innings.
2025 ALDS — Game 5
Carpenter and the Tigers forced the ALDS to go the distance. After the Mariners scored an early run due to small ball, Seattle brought in a lefty to take care of Carpenter, but he hit a rare lefty-lefty home run for the lead.
KERRY CARPENTER GIVES THE @TIGERS THE LEAD! #ALDS pic.twitter.com/5RTVcgF2NA
— MLB (@MLB) October 11, 2025
