When the Philadelphia Phillies acquired outfielder Max Kepler from the Twins on a one-year, $10 million deal during the offseason, he was expected to be their everyday left fielder. But just halfway through the season, Kepler has been left frustrated with inconsistent game time and the organization’s lack of faith in his ability to face left-handed pitchers.
Max Kepler Was Promised Regular Game Time
“The biggest challenge for me is not playing routinely,” Kepler told reporters after the series loss to the Houston Astros. “That’s the biggest challenge.” The veteran southpaw hitter believed that when the deal terms were agreed upon, he was assured of being the club’s everyday starter.
“I mean, I signed here being told that I was going to be the starting left fielder,” he remarked. “The everyday starting left fielder. So, there’s my answer. That’s why I came here.”
Despite starting in 60 of the team’s first 81 games, Kepler has rarely faced left-handed pitching, starting just three times against southpaws. He’s been kept out of the lineup even without Bryce Harper, and when the righties in the Phillies’ middle order, Alec Bohm, J.T. Realmuto, and Nick Castellanos, are hitting league average or below.
—#Phillies‘ last offseason priority is adding a pitcher who can start as back-end depth or relieve.
–Max Kepler will play LF, Dave Dombrowski said. He has played only RF and CF in majors, but Phils were reassured by old pal Terry Ryan that he can play LF.
–Happy holidays.
— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) December 20, 2024
Before Kepler signed for the Phillies, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski told MLB.com that the team would look to play Kepler regardless of whether the pitcher on the mound was right-handed or left-handed.
However, the Phillies originally wanted a right-handed hitter but failed to land a suitable one, leading them to settle for a left-handed hitter in Kepler. Although they still found extra value in him as an outfielder.
The numbers haven’t helped him either. In 2025, Kepler is 10-45 and has 5 RBIs and a homer in 49 plate appearances, hitting .222/.265/.356 against left-handed pitchers. However, in the 2024 season, after the Phillies signed him, Kepler was hitting .273/.305/.416, which is significantly better against left-handed pitchers.
MORE: Phillies’ Dave Dombrowski Eyes Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto Reunion as Free Agency Looms
That’s why Dombrowski was willing to take a gamble while being hopeful when he said, “He hit left-handers better last year, but he’s traditionally been better vs. right-handed pitching,” adding that they “think he can play vs. both.”
What’s Next for Max Kepler at the Phillies?
After four straight games on the bench, Kepler returned to the Phillies’ lineup on Thursday against the Astros but failed to impress.
Kepler’s box score read 3 at-bats, 0 hits, 1 strikeout, and nothing else. A lot was left to be desired, especially for a player seeking consistency in the lineup and to prove that he should be out there every day.
Max Kepler drives in Johan Rojas with a single!
Phillies 13, Braves 0 pic.twitter.com/FYURngDSFx
— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) June 28, 2025
24 hours later, he responded. In the series opener against the Braves on Friday, the Phillies won 13-0, and Kepler? He impressed, going 2-for-5 at the plate, including two hits, 1 RBI, and a walk. While it wasn’t flashy, the performance was encouraging in a blowout victory.
With the Phillies set to face a string of righty starters in the coming week, Kepler will get his chance to play. If he hopes to end uncertainty about his playing time, there is no better time to shine.