Perhaps the Phillies search for a center fielder might lead to Minnesota and 28 year old Max Kepler. Kepler is from Germany and was signed by the Twins in 2009. He made his big league debut in 2015 and had a breakout season in 2019 when he hit 36 home runs and drove in 90 runs in 524 AB’s. The past two seasons have been statistically down seasons for Kepler … he posted a .211 batting average in 426 AB’s in 2021.
Kepler is signed thru the 2023 season with a club option for 2024. He is set to earn $6,750,000 for 2022 and $8,500,000 for 2023. He’s a capable defender who has a good deal of experience in center field both in the minor and major leagues. He’s played primarily right field but has the speed and skill set to hold down center field as a regular.
Kepler was Minnesota’s lead off hitter during his 2019 breakout season. He has struggled against left handed pitching, in fact was platooned last season for that reason. Coupling him with someone like Matt Vierling might be an option if the Phillies were to obtain his services if need be.
Just a possibility is all, a young outfielder under contract with power potential and defensive skills. Seems logical to me 🤓.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
