But it could offer another layer to Mozeliak’s search for offense this winter.

Carpenter, entering his third year as an everyday player, hit .272 with a .375 on-base percentage in the leadoff spot last season. His .384 on-base percentage over the previous two seasons ranks ninth in baseball for batters with a minimum of 1,000 plate appearances. No other everyday leadoff hitter has a higher OBP than Carpenter. He led the league with 126 runs scored in 2013 as he took over the leadoff spot, and that garnered him some votes as the National League MVP. Over the past two seasons, his 225 runs scored are the most in the majors, one ahead of Mike Trout’s 224.

Matheny has often said that he likes the “tone” Carpenter sets for the lineup in the leadoff spot. Carpenter is routinely working deep into counts and he is unafraid of hitting with two strikes. Few hitters do it as often as Carpenter.