What to know about new Phillies outfielder Max Kepler
The Phillies are in agreement with Max Kepler on a one-year deal, pending a physical. Here are five things to know about the 31-year-old outfielder.
The Phillies are in agreement with Max Kepler on a one-year deal, pending a physical. Here are five things to know about the 31-year-old outfielder.
1. He's primarily a corner outfielder
Kepler, who bats and throws left-handed, mainly played right field for Minnesota, where he spent the last 10 seasons. He recorded four outs above average for his position in 2024.
1. He's primarily a corner outfielder
Kepler, who bats and throws left-handed, mainly played right field for Minnesota, where he spent the last 10 seasons. He recorded four outs above average for his position in 2024.
2. He’s made history
Kepler is believed to be the first person born and raised in Germany to play in the major leagues. Kepler, who also grew up playing soccer, got his start playing Little League in Berlin. At 16, he signed a minor league deal with the Twins.
2. He’s made history
Kepler is believed to be the first person born and raised in Germany to play in the major leagues. Kepler, who also grew up playing soccer, got his start playing Little League in Berlin. At 16, he signed a minor league deal with the Twins.
3. He comes from an artistic family
Kepler’s parents met as professional ballet dancers for a company in Berlin, and he and his sister grew up watching them perform. Kepler isn't a dancer, but said he learned stretching and flexibility from his parents’ vocation.
3. He comes from an artistic family
Kepler’s parents met as professional ballet dancers for a company in Berlin, and he and his sister grew up watching them perform. Kepler isn't a dancer, but said he learned stretching and flexibility from his parents’ vocation.
4. He was injured in 2024
Kepler is coming off a down year offensively, when he slashed .254/.302/.380 in 105 games. Kepler had been dealing with hip pain and patellar tendinitis in his left knee during most of the season.
4. He was injured in 2024
Kepler is coming off a down year offensively, when he slashed .254/.302/.380 in 105 games. Kepler had been dealing with hip pain and patellar tendinitis in his left knee during most of the season.
5. He has shown plate discipline
Kepler has historically had an above-average chase rate, with a 25.3% career marker. Like the rest of his offensive numbers, however, that figure took a hit in 2024 — his chase rate was up to 30.5% this past season.
5. He has shown plate discipline
Kepler has historically had an above-average chase rate, with a 25.3% career marker. Like the rest of his offensive numbers, however, that figure took a hit in 2024 — his chase rate was up to 30.5% this past season.