Max Kepler Signs Diamondbacks Contract Amid 80-Game MLB Suspension for Failed Drug Test

Former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Max Kepler has signed with a new team amid an 80-game suspension for a positive PED test.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are signing Kepler to a one-year deal, the club announced Sunday (h/t Arizona Sports' Alex Weiner).

Kepler, who was a free agent, remains on the restricted list after MLB announced in January he had tested positive for a banned substance.

He will be ineligible to play in the postseason as a result of the suspension.

Kepler, who turned 33 in February, played last season for the Phillies on a one-year, $10 million deal.

He appeared for the Phillies in 127 games, during which he slashed .216/.300/.391 with 18 home runs and 52 RBI.

Prior to arriving in Philadelphia, Kepler had spent the entirety of his MLB career with the Minnesota Twins, where he slashed .237/.318/.429 over 10 seasons.

Kepler received his suspension ahead of the 2026 season after testing positive for the banned substance epitrenbolone, according to MLB.

ESPN's Alden Gonzalez reported at the time that Kepler would "receive credit against his 80-game penalty through games played by the Phillies if he is not on a team before the season."

As of the time of Kepler's signing with the Diamondbacks, the Phillies have played 65 games.

Should Kepler serve out the final 15 games of his suspension based on the Diamondbacks' schedule, he would be eligible to return during Arizona's upcoming road series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, June 24.

The acquisition of Kepler, who bats left, comes after Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said in a Sunday appearance on MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM his club was looking to add left-handed power behind Corbin Carroll in the lineup.

Diamondbacks are heading into next week's road series against the Miami Marlins with a 34-31 record, good for second in the NL West.