We're just a few days into the offseason and already the Minnesota Twins roster is starting to look a lot different than it did a month ago. The team already declined the options of two players and now a third notable face might be exiting stage left on the franchise.
Max Kepler was in the final year of his contract and has officially elected free agency, likely ending his time with the Twins. It's hardly a surprising move, as the writing has been on the wall all season for Kepler, who showed flashes of being the player fans fell in love with over the years while also having some of his characterisically frustrating struggles.
His year started off abysmally, with Kepler hitting an unplayable 050/.095/.050 and a .145 OPS. It turns out an injury might have been factor into that, as he hit the IL and came out firing on all cylinders once he returned to the team in late April. Over his next 20 games, Kepler hit .413/.465/.698 and posted a .819 OPS in May, all of which helped lay the groundwork for what was an impressive summer of offense for the Twins.
Things cooled off, though, and he ended the season slashing .253/.302/.380, even if he remained a major defensive cog in the field. His decision to choose free agency not only serves as yet another Twins player vacating a roster spot, it likely end his long career with the team.
Max Kepler electing free agency likely ends his career with Minnesota Twins
For as much as we make about guys like Byron Buxton and Royce Lewis having seemingly been with the Twins for what feels like forever, Kepler's time with Minnesota goes back even further. He began his career with the team in 2009, which makes his 16 years of service one of the longest tenures we've seen out of a player with the organization.
Joe Mauer spent 18 years with the Twins, from the time he was drafted to when he retired, for comparison.
There's a chance that Kepler comes back, but the qualifying offer this year is far too rich for the Twins to extend his way and the frugalness of ownership would never allow such a thing. That's ultimately what will drive the decision on Kepler's future, as Minnesota's unwillingness to spend is reinforced by the number of potential outfield prospects who could make their way to the majors next season.
Emmanuel Rodriguez is likely going to contend for an Opening Day roster spot, and he'd join a crowded situation alongside guys like Trevor Larnach, Matt Wallner, and Austin Martin. Byron Buxton is also a lock for a spot in the outfield, and potentially so is his insurance plan if the team decides Martin or E-Rod don't fit the bill.
There's logic in bringing Kepler back, but the practicality of it is a stretch. There's too many outfield mouths to feed in Minnesota, and the chances are Kepler will get a nice offer elsewhere to add corner outfield depth for a potential contender. It's not unrealistic to see a team like the Braves, Mariners, or Yankees try to bring Kepler in, and any sort of interest in free agency would instantly price the penny pinching Twins out of the conversation.
It stings, but this looks like the end of the road for Kepler in Minnesota. He'll leave as one of the longest tenured players in franchise history, but also one of its most beloved and well-liked as well. If he does extend his career and sign elsewhere for 2025, expect a resounding standing ovation for him if he makes a return trip to Target Field.
The chances that happens in a Twins uniform is unfortunately slim.
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