However, Kepler's performance declined afterward.
After the COVID-shortened 2020 season, he recorded two consecutive years with an OPS+ below the league average of 100.
It seemed he had made some improvements in 2023 with a .260/.332/.484 slash line, 24 homers, 66 RBI, and an OPS+ of 120, but he struggled again this past season and eventually became a free agent.
This move is intriguing for the Phillies.
While he certainly offers potential from a power standpoint, he also adds another inconsistent outfield hitter alongside Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh, and Johan Rojas.
Being left-handed provides Philadelphia with more platoon options, as he has been a reliable defender throughout his career with a 2.7 defensive bWAR.
Kepler is a valuable addition for the cost, but given the Phillies' need for someone to change the team's trajectory after two consecutive disappointing playoff exits, it's unlikely he will be the player to achieve that.
The Philadelphia Phillies have brought in a new outfielder.
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, they have reached a one-year, $10 million agreement with slugger Max Kepler.
The German-born athlete was signed by the Minnesota Twins as an international free agent in 2009 at age 16 for $800,000, the largest contract awarded to a European at that time.
Kepler emerged as a top 30 prospect in their system three years later, climbing to No. 3 in 2016, a year after his Major League debut.
At one point, he seemed poised to become a future superstar in Major League Baseball.
He quickly demonstrated his power, hitting 17 or more home runs each season starting in 2016, culminating in a massive 36-home run, 90 RBI season in 2019, earning him a 20th-place finish in AL MVP voting following the five-year, $35 million contract he signed prior to that season.
Aug 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Twins right fielder Max Kepler (26) bats against the Texas Rangers during the fourth inning at Globe Life Field.
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Phillies sign outfielder Max Kepler
December 21, 2024
Hopefully this isn't another Whit Merrifield move.
Philly Sports Jawn
Jawn Kruk
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