Longtime Minnesota Twins Outfielder Finds New Home Out East

The Minnesota Twins were always going to move on from Max Kepler this offseason. The only question remaining was where the German-native — who has been with the Twins organization since he was 16 years old — would end up.

Phillies signing former Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler

And on December 19, 2024, we got that answer, too. After 1,072 games in a Minnesota Twins uniform, the 31-year-old (soon to be 32) Max Kepler is signing with the Philadelphia Phillies (pending physical).

Outfielder Max Kepler and the Philadlephia Philies are in agreement on a one-year, $10 million contract, sources tell ESPN. The deal, which is pending a physical, will give the Phillies a new corner outfielder in the 31-year-old Kepler. First on the scene: @Feinsand/@ToddZolecki.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 20, 2024

In his decade+ with the Twins, Kepler was a pillar of inconsistency at the plate. One month, he’d be the hottest hitter on the planet. The next month, he can’t buy a hit. Still, he plays great defense and his offensive numbers, from a macro view, are above average.

At $10 million, Kepler gets the same amount that both Kevin Kiermaier and Harrison Bader signed for as outfield free agents last offseason. It is the same value he finished playing at for the Twins in 2024.

Last season, Kepler slashed .253/.302/.380 for Minnesota across 105 games. That was worth just a 91 OPS+. He dealt with injuries that sapped his effectiveness, but it was a far cry from the 124 OPS+ he posted in 2023.

Max Kepler goes deep for a 3-run dinger and the @Twins are on top big! 💪 pic.twitter.com/u4pEbvT4Il

— MLB (@MLB) August 14, 2024

Kepler roller coaster moves East

It wasn’t until Major League Baseball introduced a juiced ball in 2019 that Kepler really took off. As a member of the Bomba Squad, Max launched 36 home runs, a career-high. His 46.6% fly ball rate that year was indicative of a line drive and elevate approach that leaned into his pull power. He never found that swing again, post 2019.

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Although Kepler’s offensive profile leaves plenty to be desired, he remains an asset in right field. He was worth four outs above average and provide a two fielding run value last season. That will decline as he ages, but the Phillies are only concerned about 2025.

MAXimum effort on this catch. #TwinsWin | #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/HBoTrIax6v

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) July 1, 2023

Kepler goes to the National League for the first time in his career. The right field line and power alley are virtually identical at Citizens Bank Ballpark and Target Field. The wall is ten feet shorter in height though, and could add to the German’s home run total.

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It will be weird to see Kepler wearing another uniform in 2025. It’s better than either the Guardians or Yankees though, of which he could have been a fit for either. Minnesota travels to Philadelphia for a three-game series at the end of September.