Phillies to Sign Slugging Outfielder to One-Year Contract: Reports
December 20, 2024
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Max Kepler wasn’t expected to be the first power-hitting corner outfielder to fly off the free agent board after Juan Soto signed his 15-year, $765 million megadeal with the New York Mets.
While the Philadelphia Phillies certainly don’t view Kepler as a riposte to their division rival’s big move, signing Kepler to a one-year contract — as first reported by Todd Zolecki and Mark Feinsand of MLB.com on Thursday — represents a low-risk move on the free agent market.
Sources telling @feinsand and me that the #Phillies and OF Max Kepler are working on a one-year deal, pending a physical. Kepler, 31, has spent entire 10-year career with the Twins.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) December 20, 2024
Kepler, 31, is a career .237 hitter with 161 home runs and 508 RBIs in parts of 10 seasons (2015-24) with the Minnesota Twins.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JULY 24: Max Kepler #26 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates a walk-off single with teammates against the Philadelphia Phillies on July 24, 2024 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kepler is reportedly… MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JULY 24: Max Kepler #26 of the Minnesota Twins celebrates a walk-off single with teammates against the Philadelphia Phillies on July 24, 2024 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kepler is reportedly in agreement with the Phillies on a one-year contract.
Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images
Kepler hit a career-high 36 home runs with 90 RBIs in 2019, when he slashed .252/.336/.519 and collected downballot American League MVP votes. A left-handed hitter, Kepler’s production has cooled off since, as he shifted principally to a platoon role.
Kepler got 317 of his 399 plate appearances in 2024 against right-handed pitchers, and finished with eight home runs, 42 RBIs and a .253 average in 105 games.
In 2023, Kepler hit 24 homers and hit .260 in 130 games. His .816 OPS was among the better marks among American League outfielders.
The Twins signed Kepler to a five-year, $35 million contract prior to the 2019 season, with a team option for 2024.
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