This is an ugly offseason for Max Kepler.
MLB has suspended the free agent outfielder for 80 games after he tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug, the league announced Friday.
“The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball today announced that free agent outfielder Max Kepler has been given an 80-game suspension after testing positive for Epitrenbolone, a performance-enhancing substance, in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program,” the statement said.
Trenbolone is an anabolic steroid used to promote muscle growth in cattle and is not medically approved for human use.
The 32-year-old, who spent last season with the Phillies and moved on to the NLDS, will certainly see a huge hit to his value on the free agency market as a result of the MLB ruling.
Kepler, who signed a one-year, $10 million deal with Philly, had a calculated market value of just under $7.6 million. for Spotrac – before his suspension for half of the 2026 season.
In 127 games last season, he had a slash line of .216/.300/.391 while hitting 18 home runs and driving in 52 RBIs.
Kepler is entering his 12th season in the league after making his debut in 2015 with the Twins, with whom he played for 10 seasons.
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