Insider provides key update on Max Kepler’s potential future with Philadelphia Phillies.
Insider Gives Telling Update on Max Kepler's Future With Phillies originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Frankly, the Philadelphia Phillies have had a Max Kepler issue over the past few months.
When the Phillies signed him, the hope was for him to be a decent left-handed bat with some pop in this lineup.
Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case, as Kepler is playing worse than ever, despite being healthy. There have been Periods throughout his career when he’s dealt with injuries.
Kepler has already played in 85 games, and has a .210 batting average with just 10 home runs and an 86 OPS+.
It might be wise for the Phillies to move on from him, but that might be easier said than done on the trade front. Realistically, the Phillies will likely have to designate him for assignment, and according to a recent article from The Athletic, that appears to be the likely outcome.
The Athletic wrote that it's “not hard to see” where this situation is headed, which could be a telling sign of what's to come in the future.
“The manager identified Marsh and Alec Bohm as two candidates for some second-half pop. Max Kepler is another, Thomson said. Kepler ranks 133rd among 155 qualified hitters in slugging percentage this season.
“It’s not hard to see where the Kepler situation is headed. Thomson dropped Kepler to eighth in the batting order Saturday, then pinch hit for him in the eighth inning against a lefty reliever. He was not in Sunday’s lineup, marking the first time all season Kepler sat when a righty starter opposed the Phillies,” they wrote.
There are benefits in designating Kepler for assignment, especially considering he doesn't earn much on his one-year, $10 million deal.
Perhaps Dave Dombrowski can get creative at the deadline and find a team to take on his contract for a below-average prospect.
Related: Phillies Get Mets Update on All-Star Outfield Target
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
