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Diamondbacks add veteran OF Max Kepler on 1-year deal
Diamondbacks add veteran OF Max Kepler on 1-year deal
PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks added veteran outfield depth, signing outfielder Max Kepler to a one-year contract.
Oct 6, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Max Kepler (17) runs to third base after hitting a triple against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the eighth inning during game two of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKepler is currently on the restricted list and won’t be eligible to join the Diamondbacks until late June after completing his 80-game suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs last year. He also won’t be eligible for the postseason in 2026 as part of the suspension.
The move represents a low-risk opportunity for the D-Backs, who are looking to strengthen their outfield and add left-handed power to the lineup. Because Kepler remains on the restricted list while serving his suspension, he will not immediately occupy a spot on Arizona’s 40-man roster.
Oct 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Max Kepler (17) hits a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the ninth inning during game one of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementKepler joins Arizona after spending the 2025 season with the Philadelphia Phillies and the first 10 years of his MLB career with the Minnesota Twins. He batted .216 with 18 home runs, 52 RBIs and a .691 OPS last season. While those numbers were below his career averages, the veteran still showed the power that made him a consistent middle-of-the-order threat during his time with the Twins.
The signing is about adding depth, but also power, as Arizona continues to navigate roster changes. If Kepler can provide offense against right-handed pitching and solid corner-outfield defense, the one-year deal could prove to be a valuable midseason addition — and solve their left-handed designated hitter situation.
Oct 9, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Max Kepler (17) makes a catch in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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Story byBurn City Sports