4. Max Kepler, Outfielder
Kepler was another of the Phillies’ notable free-agent signings this offseason. Kepler signed a one-year, $10 million contract after spending the first 10 years of his MLB career with the Minnesota Twins.
The veteran is getting a chance to be the Phillies’ everyday left fielder this season, which was an area of need. Last season, the 32-year-old outfielder struggled at the plate, slashing .253/.302/.380 with eight home runs and 42 RBI. He also had the second-worst OPS of his career (.682).
It was a huge drop-off from what Kepler did in 2023 with the Twins. The left-handed outfielder slashed .260/.332/.484 with 24 home runs and 66 RBI. He also had an OPS of .816, which was the second-highest of his career.
After a down year at the plate and a couple of lingering injuries, Kepler had bilateral core repair surgery in October. Months removed from the veteran outfielder has looked good at the plate in Spring Training.
In 17 games, Kepler hit .375 with three doubles, three home runs, and 11 RBI. He also had a stellar OPS of 1.175. Phillies fans shouldn’t expect Kepler, a career .237 hitter, to become a .300 hitter this season.
However, Kepler has a lot to prove after a down 2024 season. If he can come close to his 2023 form, that will help the bottom of the Phillies’ lineup, which could also help set the table at the top of the order.