The Philadelphia Phillies have acted like a team seeking change all offseason and — for now — they have been content to make smaller tweaks along the edges of their roster. They followed that path again in the outfield Thursday by agreeing to a one-year, $10 million deal with Max Kepler, a lefty hitter who turns 32 in February and has not accrued 500 plate appearances in a season since 2019.
The deal, according to major-league sources, is pending a physical. MLB.com and ESPN first reported details of the agreement.
On the surface, it is a puzzling move by the Phillies. Kepler has not played a single inning of left field in the majors. He has not been durable or productive enough in recent seasons to merit an everyday role. But by paying him $10 million, the Phillies have indicated they expect Kepler to be more than a part-time player.
Kepler batted .253/.302/.380 last season with the Minnesota Twins, the organization that signed him as a teenager out of Germany. It was the worst season by OPS+ (91) of Kepler’s career. He is considered an above-average defender, although someone who is suited now for the corner outfield spots.
He has hit righties better than lefties over his career, which does not make him a potential platoon partner with Brandon Marsh. The Phillies, according to major-league sources, had shown interest in Teoscar Hernández, who is considered the best remaining free-agent outfielder. They settled for Kepler at a far cheaper rate.
The Phillies, earlier this offseason, did not tender Austin Hays a contract when he would have made roughly $7 million through the salary arbitration process. They believe they have upgraded that spot on the roster in Kepler, but he’ll come to Philadelphia with a lot to prove.
(Photo: Greg Fiume / Getty Images)
