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Suspended Max Kepler signs 1-year deal with NL team
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- Suspended Max Kepler signs 1-year deal with NL team
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Max Kepler spent the 2025 season with the Philadelphia Phillies but was suspended for use of PEDs in the offseason . With that suspension almost up, the former Minnesota Twins outfielder has found a home. Kepler has signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks , according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
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"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," Nightengale reported.
Considering Kepler was a free agent, he was serving his suspension based on the Phillies' schedule, per MLB Trade Rumors. Philly has played 65 games this season, so he could be eligible after another 15 Diamondbacks games. That could have him eligible for the series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, June 26.
Kepler spent ten seasons with the Twins before playing last season with the Phillies. He has 179 career home runs and a .741 OPS, both numbers buoyed by an insane 2019 campaign. He slugged 36 homers and posted an .855 OPS for a Twins team that broke the single-season record for home runs.
The Diamondbacks could use the power, especially from the designated hitter position. Pavin Smith , their current left-handed designated hitter, is hitting just .125 this season in eight games. Without a great DH option, this was worth the gamble for the Diamondbacks. If Kepler helps the Snakes make the playoffs, he won't be eligible to play.
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The recent San Diego Padres collapse has the Diamondbacks in second place in the NL West. While they are still 7.5 games back of the Dodgers , they know they have a chance to make a run this year. Whatever it takes at this point in the year to get some wins is worth it for the Snakes. Can Kepler bring their offense to another level?
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