> At a Glance
> – Free-agent outfielder Max Kepler suspended 80 games after testing positive for Epitrenbolone
> – Ban starts immediately; he’s barred from the 2026 postseason
> – Had just wrapped a one-year stint with the Phillies (.216, 18 HR, .691 OPS)
> – Why it matters: A 32-year-old corner outfielder now faces an uncertain market and a season-long absence from MLB
Max Kepler’s first-and likely only-season in Philadelphia ended on a sour statistical note, and his winter just got worse.
The Suspension
Major League Baseball announced Friday that Kepler violated the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The test showed Epitrenbolone, a performance-enhancing substance.
The suspension is effective immediately, covering the entire 2026 regular season and any playoff run he might have joined.
2025 Season Recap
Kepler signed a one-year deal with the Phillies last offseason. Across 129 games he posted:
- .216 batting average
- 18 home runs
- 52 RBIs
- .691 OPS
In the NLDS versus the Dodgers he went 3-for-12 with a pair of extra-base hits, good for a .750 OPS over 15 plate appearances.
Career Snapshot
| Years | Team | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2015-24 | Twins | Everyday corner OF |
| 2025 | Phillies | One-year stopgap |
Before the suspension, the Phillies were not expected to pursue a reunion.
Key Takeaways
- Kepler, 32, loses nearly half a season and all 2026 postseason eligibility
- The failed test involved Epitrenbolone, a banned anabolic agent
- He heads into free agency carrying both a tepid 2025 line and the league-mandated absence
The outfielder’s next MLB appearance can’t come until late May 2027 at the earliest, provided he finds a club willing to weather the suspension fallout.
