Report: Phillies confirms major deal to address outfield needs
The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly adding veteran outfielder Max Kepler to their roster for the 2025 season, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. Zolecki shared that “multiple sources told MLB.com on Thursday night that the Phillies and longtime Twins outfielder Max Kepler have agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal, pending a physical. The club has not confirmed an agreement.”
Kepler, 31, is aiming for a comeback after an injury-plagued 2024 season in which he dealt with patellar tendinitis in his left knee and a hip issue. Despite missing 57 games, he managed to slash .253/.302/.380 in 399 plate appearances with the Twins.
The seasoned outfielder is just a year removed from a strong 2023 campaign where he hit 24 home runs, scored 72 runs, and played in 130 games. Across his decade-long career, Kepler’s standout season came in 2019, when he launched 36 home runs and posted a career-high .855 OPS.
Adding Kepler gives the Phillies a versatile, left-handed bat with a history of power and solid outfield defense. While injuries impacted his recent performance, the one-year deal represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for Philadelphia to bolster their lineup and outfield depth as they aim for another deep postseason run.
Phillies could start stout Kepler in right field in 2025
The Phillies’ addition of Max Kepler brings in a seasoned power hitter known for delivering efficiently at the plate. His plate discipline is a key asset, as evidenced by his 2023 chase rate of 24.9% and whiff rate of 19.8%, which ranked in the 75th and 80th percentiles, respectively. These metrics highlight Kepler’s ability to make consistent contact and avoid swinging at pitches outside the zone, making him an ideal candidate to enhance Philadelphia’s offensive unpredictability.
Defensively, Kepler offers elite reliability. The 31-year-old posted a perfect fielding percentage across 103 games in right field during his injury-shortened 2024 season. His defensive consistency is well-documented, having led all MLB outfielders with perfect fielding percentages twice before, in 2019 and 2021.
Kepler’s arrival may signal a changing of the guard in right field, as the Phillies are reportedly exploring trade opportunities for current starter Nick Castellanos. If Kepler can return to form both offensively and defensively, he has the potential to provide a stabilizing and impactful presence in the Phillies’ outfield for the 2025 campaign.