Major League Baseball has announced that free agent outfielder Max Kepler has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for Epitrenbolone, a prohibited performance-enhancing substance under the league’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. This development comes as Kepler, who turns 33 in February, finds himself in a challenging position following a subpar season with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Kepler recently completed his first year away from the Minnesota Twins, signing a one-year, $10 million deal with the Phillies after the 2024 season. Despite hitting 18 home runs, his overall performance was disappointing, with a batting line of .216/.300/.391 and a wRC+ of 90. Throughout the season, Kepler expressed frustration with his reduced role against left-handed pitchers, indicating he had hoped for a more prominent position as an everyday player.
With his return to free agency this winter, Kepler’s earning potential was already uncertain given his lackluster performance. The outfield market appears limited, with high-profile players like Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger leading the pack. Following them, Kepler was viewed as one of the more appealing options alongside others like Harrison Bader and Mike Yastrzemski, the latter recently signing with Atlanta.
However, this suspension complicates matters significantly for Kepler. As a consequence of the 80-game suspension, he will be unable to participate in the first half of the upcoming season. His suspension will not begin until he signs with a new team, meaning he needs to secure a contract before he can serve his penalty. Even if he finds a club and performs well in the latter half of the season, he will be ineligible for the postseason in 2026, further impacting his marketability and earning potential.
This situation could lead teams in need of outfield depth to consider alternative options rather than pursuing Kepler, especially if they are reluctant to invest in high-profile outfielders. Potential alternatives like Bader, Miguel Andujar, Austin Hays, and Mike Tauchman may see an increase in interest as clubs adjust their strategies in light of Kepler’s suspension.
The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging for Kepler, but it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold in the coming months. Clubs looking for outfield help will be weighing their options carefully as they seek to strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season.