Philadelphia Phillies sign former Twins outfielder Max Kepler to 1-year contract
The Philadelphia Phillies officially signed outfielder Max Kepler to a one-year contract Friday afternoon. The signing was first reported by MLB.com's Todd Zolecki and Mark Feinsand Thursday night.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Kepler's deal is worth $10 million.
Sources telling @feinsand and me that the #Phillies and OF Max Kepler are working on a one-year deal, pending a physical. Kepler, 31, has spent entire 10-year career with the Twins.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) December 20, 2024
Kepler, 31, has spent his entire 10-year career with the Minnesota Twins in the American League.
Kepler played 105 games for the Twins last season and dealt with hip and knee injuries. He slashed .253/.302/.380 with a .682 OPS and hit eight home runs with 42 RBIs in a down season in Minnesota.
Kepler had one of the better years of his career during the 2023 season, where he slashed .260/.332/.484 with a .816 OPS to go along with 24 homers and 66 RBIs.
He has a .955 slugging percentage and four home runs in six career games at Citizens Bank Park.
Kepler is a native of Berlin, Germany, and leaves the Twins as the all-time home run leader at their home stadium, Target Field.
The Phillies needed help in the outfield entering the offseason after the team non-tendered Austin Hays and Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas not being locked into starting roles for the 2025 season.
Kepler is the second move the Phillies have made so far in free agency.
Earlier this month, the Phillies signed two-time All-Star closer Jordan Romano away from the Toronto Blue Jays to a one-year deal.