6:59 p.m.: Kepler and MLB negotiated a settlement that allows him to serve the suspension even if he is not on an MLB roster to start the season, ESPN’s Alden González reports. If he remains a free agent, last year’s playing time with Philadelphia would count as credit toward the suspension. He remains ineligible for the 2026 playoffs.
2:30 p.m.: Major League Baseball announced today that free agent outfielder Max Kepler received an 80-game suspension after testing positive for the performance-enhancing drug Epitrenbolone in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
Kepler, 33 in February, just finished his first season away from the Twins. After years in Minnesota, Kepler became a free agent following the 2024 campaign and signed a one-year deal worth $10 million with the Phillies.
His year in Philadelphia was not particularly pleasant. He hit 18 homers but slashed .216/.300/.391 for a wRC+ of 90. Along the way, he expressed some frustration at being left-handed guarded, saying he thought he was signed to be an everyday player.
Returning to free agency this winter, he wouldn’t have a huge earning potential after this bad year. On the other hand, the external market is quite weak, apart from Kyle Tucker And Cody Bellinger being the best. Beyond those two, Kepler was one of the better options alongside Harrison Bader And Mike Yastrzemskithe latter of which signed with Atlanta.
This development obviously changes that. Kepler is no longer just a 33-year-old coming off a bad year, but also one who won’t even be available for the first half of the season. Even if he hangs in somewhere, serves his suspension and plays well in the second half, he wouldn’t be eligible for the 2026 playoffs.
This will obviously reduce Kepler’s earning power. For clubs looking for on-field help, especially those who don’t want to pay for guys like Tucker or Bellinger, perhaps this could increase their desire to push for someone like Bader. Miguel Andujar, Austin Hays, Mike Tauchman or other outfielders available.
Photos courtesy of Kyle Ross, Brad Rempel, Imagn Images
