Many MLB fans ridiculed former Twins outfielder Max Kepler when news broke in January that he would serve an 80-game PED suspension, especially since he was coming off a rough 2025 season with the Philadelphia Phillies in which he slashed .216/.300/.391 (90 wRC+) over 127 games. Kepler has finally landed a professional contract amidst his suspension, signing a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Kepler has been serving his 80-game suspension as if he were still with Philadelphia. Since the Phillies played their 65th game today, Kepler presumably will be eligible to return after the Diamondbacks play 15 more games, on June 25. Until then, the Berlin, Germany native will likely ramp up for his Diamondbacks debut by playing in the minors.
Throughout his 11 MLB seasons, Kepler has been an average hitter, slashing .235/.316/.425 (101 wRC+) over 1199 plate appearances with the Twins and Phillies. He posted a 122 wRC+ in 2019 and 2023 and a 109 wRC+ in the Covid-19-shortened 2020 season, but has been a below-average hitter in the other eight seasons of his career.
After being the Twins' primary right fielder and occasional center fielder for most of his career, Kepler made the move to left field with the Phillies last season, posting +2 Defensive Runs Saved and 0 Outs Above Average in 773 1/3 innings. Kepler claimed he was told that he "was going to be the starting everyday left fielder" when he signed with Philadelphia, leading to his frustration when the Phillies frequently kept him out of the lineup when facing southpaws. Last season, Kepler hit .217/.276/.348 (71 wRC+) in 76 plate appearances against lefties and .216/.305/.399 (93 wRC+) in 398 plate appearances against righties.
How will Diamondbacks use Kepler?
The Diamondbacks will likely use Kepler as a left fielder and designated hitter against right-handed pitching, adding balance to an outfield mix that consists of many right-handed batters such as Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Jordan Lawlar, Tommy Troy and Ryan Waldschmidt. Meanwhile, Corbin Carroll has right field locked down. Arizona could use Kepler in center on occasion, but the club would likely prefer to primarily keep him in left due to his defensive regression in recent years.
Kepler's new team is in second place in the NL West with a 34-31 record, trailing the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers by 7 1/2 games. Winning a Wild Card spot may be the only way the Diamondbacks can make the playoffs. They're in a good position right now, tied with the Chicago Cubs for the third and final NL Wild Card spot.
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