D-Backs Sign Max Kepler to One-Year Deal Amid PED Suspension

The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed outfielder Max Kepler to a one-year contract for the 2026 season. The deal does not immediately affect Arizona’s 40-man or active roster as Kepler remains on the restricted list due to an 80-game PED suspension. The former Philadelphia Phillies star will not be eligible to play until June 25, giving Arizona time to integrate him into the lineup.

Kepler is serving his suspension as if he were still a member of the Phillies, who played their 65th game of the season on Tuesday. The remaining 15 games of the ban will now be counted under the Diamondbacks’ schedule. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it is expected to be a minimal guaranteed salary prorated over the rest of the 2026 season.

Over 11 MLB seasons, Kepler has produced a 101 wRC+ with a career line of .235/.316/.425 in 1199 plate appearances. His best seasons came in 2019 and 2023, when he posted a 122 wRC+ in each. However, his 2025 campaign with the Phillies was a struggle, as he hit .216/.300/.391 with 18 home runs in 474 plate appearances.

Kepler has long struggled against left-handed pitching, a factor that has limited his value as a regular. He hit just .237/.315/.408 in 1436 plate appearances against southpaws since Opening Day 2022. In June 2025, Kepler expressed frustration over his platoon role, saying, “I signed here [in Philadelphia] being told that I was going to be the starting everyday left fielder” after missing three straight games against left-handed starters.

Defensively, Kepler was a standout in right field during his prime with the Twins. In recent years, his defensive numbers have declined due to knee issues, and his move to left field with the Phillies yielded just +2 Defensive Runs Saved in 773 1/3 innings.

With Corbin Carroll entrenched in right field, Kepler is expected to play left field and serve as a designated hitter against right-handed pitching. His addition brings more balance to a lineup that includes Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Jordan Lawlar, Ryan Waldschmidt, and Tommy Troy, all of whom are right-handed hitters.

Gurriel is expected to return from a hamstring injury in the coming weeks, while Lawlar is on a Triple-A rehab assignment after missing over two months with a broken wrist. Kepler’s contract is flexible enough that Arizona could cut ties if he doesn’t perform, making the move a low-risk, high-reward option.

Arizona will monitor Kepler’s progress in the minors during his ramp-up period. The team aims to finalize its outfield depth before the trade deadline, which is set for July 12.