Story by
Former MN Twin Will Finish PED Suspension on New Team
- Story by
- Former MN Twin Will Finish PED Suspension on New Team
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Minnesota Twins just brought back Royce Lewis and designated James Outman for assignment in the process. With Byron Buxton banged up after hurting his shoulder again , the outfield is a bit short-handed.
Advertisement
Of course they could just call up Kyler Fedko , but they haven't been interested in doing that. Another legitimate option that would have come available before the trade deadline, had they been interested, was old friend Max Kepler — who's been (kind of) available in free agency all season.
After playing a decade for the Minnesota Twins, Max Kepler hit free agency after the 2024 season and found a new employer with the Philadelphia Phillies , a legitimate World Series contender entering the 2025 season.
Related Headlines
His first impression in the City of Brotherly Love, however, wasn't great. Max batted .216 with a .691 OPS , then went 2-for-12 (.167) with a couple of extra base hits during a 3-1 NLDS butt-kicking at the hands of the eventual World Series Champion LA Dodgers .
Holy shit we got a demon
Max Kepler will take us to the World Series
(even if he can't play in the playoffs) pic.twitter.com/MKiti4vOb2— Justin Martinez Enthusiast (@JMartEnthusiast) June 8, 2026
At the end of the season, Kepler hit the open market again. But before he could find his third new home in three seasons, Max was popped by the MLB for using performance enhancing drugs — 80 games — when he tested positive for Epitrenbolone (Trenbolone) .
Advertisement
Longtime MN Twins outfielder Max Kepler signs with Arizona
So while Max Kepler has technically been available to sign since free agency started in the offseason, nobody was interested in stashing him away for the first half of the season, while he sat on the MLB's restricted list.
That was until Sunday evening, when the 33-year-old German outfielder signed a contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks , who are 64 games into their 2026 season , meaning Kepler will have to sit for 16 more before he can be written into the D-Backs lineup.
Not only does Kepler have to finish off his 80-game regular season suspension, but he isn't eligible for postseason play either. That part is interesting, given the Diamondbacks are 34-31 and in the thick of the NL playoff race .
The Arizona Diamondbacks sign OF Max Kepler, who was popped for PEDs in January and remains on the MLB restricted list. He will still have to miss 80 games and is ineligible for the postseason.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) June 8, 2026
However, Max is allowed a rehab assignment of up to 15 days , in order to get ready for his removal from the league's restricted list, meaning we can expect Kepler to start getting at-bats in Arizona's minor league system soon.
Advertisement
Last season, Kepler popped 18 homers, despite his struggles with consistency. In the playoffs, his only two hits were a double and triple. He also walked three times and scored three runs. And his defense in right field is always reliable
Diamondbacks outfield stretched like Minnesota Twins
Similar to the Minnesota Twins, the Arizona Diamondbacks outfield is running thin . Corbin Carroll is a star and doing his typical thing with a .928 OPS . Former 12th overall pick (2023) Tommy Troy is just 24-years-old and has a .770 OPS in his first 14 games.
25-year-old Jorge Barrosa has just a .551 OPS this season though, and has batted just .158 in his first 87 big league games the past three years. 23-year-old Ryan Waldschmidt is a bit better with a .698 OPS in his first 27 games, but the inexperience could use a veteran infusion.
Advertisement
The gamble on Kepler presents minimal risk, and he brings another left-handed option to the table to help push Arizona up the NL standings. Platooning Max with either Troy or Waldschmidt should help both youngsters thrive.
Related Headlines
