Outfielder Max Kepler and the Philadlephia Philies are in agreement on a one-year, $10 million contract, sources tell ESPN. The deal, which is pending a physical, will give the Phillies a new corner outfielder in the 31-year-old Kepler. First on the scene: @Feinsand/@ToddZolecki.
Max Kepler signs a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies
Photo credit: © Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2024, 20:45 ESTUpdated: Dec 19, 2024, 20:44 EST
An outfield free agent that the Toronto Blue Jays could’ve targeted is off the board.
It was reported on Thursday evening by ESPN’s Jeff Passan that the Philadelphia Phillies have signed Max Kepler to a one-year, $10 million deal.
Kepler was signed as an international free agent in 2009 by the Minnesota Twins, as he was born and raised in Germany. Kepler made his debut in the big leagues in 2015, but became a regular with the Twins in 2016. His first real season of success came in 2019, where he slashed .252/.336/.519 with 36 home runs in 596 plate appearances for a 122 wRC+ and a 3.9 fWAR.
His best season, at least in terms of wRC+, came in 2023, where he slashed .260/.332/.484 with 24 home runs in 491 plate appearances for a 123 wRC+ and a 2.8 fWAR. Last season, his final year with the Twins, Kepler slashed .253/.302/.380 with eight home runs in 399 plate appearances for a 94 wRC+ and a 1 fWAR.
Kepler is also a left-handed batter that hits right-handed pitchers well. For his career against right-handed pitchers, the 31-year-old is slashing .243/.326/.452 with 134 of his 161 home runs, giving him a 111 wRC+.
On top of the ability to hit 20+ home runs, Kepler is a good defender in the outfield. He solely played right field last season, posting 0 Defensive Runs Saved but 4 Outs Above Average in 806.1 innings. For his career in the outfield, Kepler has 50 DRS and 66 OAA in 8489.1 innings.
All of this is to say that the German outfielder would have fit the Blue Jays nicely. His strong defence in right field along with pop is something the Jays desperately need, even though his bat can be below average at times.
Still, there are plenty of options for the Blue Jays remaining. A reunion with former Jay Teoscar Hernández seems like a possibility, while Anthony Santander is an obvious fit with his 44 home runs last season. If the Jays want to add a left-handed batter, Joc Pederson is another intriguing option as he had a terrific season in 2024, albeit he’s moved into a designated hitter role.
As always, you can follow me on Bluesky @ryleydelaney.bsky.social.
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