Is Max Kepler Still With the Twins

Max Kepler is a German-born outfielder who has spent his entire Major League Baseball career with the Minnesota Twins.

Since making his debut in 2015, Kepler has been a consistent contributor to the Twins’ lineup, known for his power-hitting and solid defensive play.

However, in recent years, Kepler’s performance has been on the decline, and injuries have become more frequent, leading to questions about his future with the team.

With Kepler entering the final guaranteed season of his contract, Twins fans are wondering: is Max Kepler still with the Twins? We’ll take a closer look at Kepler’s tenure with the Twins, his recent performance, and the Twins’ plans for his future.

Kepler’s Performance With the Twins

Kepler joined the Twins organization in 2009, signing as an international free agent at the age of 16. He worked his way up through the minor league system and made his MLB debut in 2015, playing in 3 games for the Twins that year.

In 2016, Kepler became a regular in the Twins’ outfield, playing in 113 games and hitting .235 with 17 home runs and 63 RBIs.

Over the years, Kepler has been a consistent contributor to the Twins’ lineup. He has played in at least 100 games in every season since 2016, and he has hit at least 19 home runs in each of the past four seasons.

His career statistics with the Twins include a .233 batting average, 99 home runs, 307 RBIs, and a .759 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage).

In terms of notable achievements, Kepler had a breakout season in 2019, hitting .252 with 36 home runs and 90 RBIs. He also earned a Gold Glove award for his defensive play in right field.

Additionally, Kepler hit three home runs in a single game in August 2019, becoming just the 13th player in MLB history to accomplish the feat.

However, in recent years, Kepler’s performance has been on the decline. In 2020, he hit just .228 with 9 home runs and 23 RBIs in 48 games, and he struggled with injuries throughout the season.

In 2021, Kepler hit .214 with 13 home runs and 36 RBIs in 92 games before suffering a season-ending injury in August.

This decline in production, combined with the emergence of younger outfielders like Alex Kirilloff and Trevor Larnach, has raised questions about Kepler’s future with the team.

The Twins’ Plans for Kepler

As Max Kepler enters the final guaranteed season of his contract, the Twins’ perspective on his future with the team is unclear. In the past, Twins management has praised Kepler’s work ethic and leadership qualities, but they have also acknowledged his declining performance in recent years.

During the 2021 season, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli expressed support for Kepler, stating that he still believed in the outfielder’s abilities and that he could be an important part of the team’s future.

Twins president of baseball operations Derek Falvey echoed this sentiment, saying that the team had “big expectations” for Kepler going forward.

However, with the emergence of younger outfielders like Kirilloff and Larnach, the Twins may have to make some tough decisions regarding Kepler’s future. Kepler is set to earn $6.75 million in 2022, which is a significant amount of money for a player whose production has been declining.

The Twins may need to weigh Kepler’s contract against his performance and the potential of younger players in deciding whether to keep him on the roster.

It’s worth noting that Kepler does have some flexibility on defense, as he has experience playing all three outfield positions. This versatility could work in his favor as the Twins consider their options for the 2022 season and beyond.

Overall, the Twins’ decision-making process regarding Kepler’s future will likely be influenced by a variety of factors, including his performance, contract, and the team’s overall roster construction. Fans will have to wait and see how things shake out as the offseason progresses.

Recent Developments

As of April 2023, there have not been any major updates regarding Max Kepler’s status with the Twins since his season-ending injury in August 2021. However, there are some possible scenarios for Kepler’s future with the team.

One possibility is that the Twins could trade Kepler during the offseason. While Kepler’s declining production and injury history may make him less attractive to potential trade partners, his versatility and contract could still make him a valuable asset for some teams.

If the Twins were able to trade Kepler, they could free up some salary space and potentially acquire some younger talent in return. Another scenario is that the Twins could choose to keep Kepler on the roster for the 2022 season.

While this would mean paying him his guaranteed salary of $6.75 million, the Twins could be hoping that Kepler can bounce back from his recent struggles and provide some much-needed production in the outfield.

Additionally, if the Twins are able to contend in 2022, Kepler’s experience and leadership qualities could be valuable assets down the stretch.

Of course, there is also the possibility that the Twins could choose to release Kepler if they don’t see him as part of their long-term plans. This would free up his salary and give the team some flexibility in terms of their roster construction.

At this point, it’s difficult to say what the Twins’ plans are for Kepler, as there hasn’t been much public discussion of his future with the team.

Fans will have to wait and see how things play out as the offseason progresses and the Twins begin to make moves to shape their roster for the 2022 season and beyond.

Here is a Table Comparing Max Kepler’s Statistics Over the Past Three Seasons With the Minnesota Twins:

This table compares Kepler’s batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, home runs, RBIs, and OPS+ (which takes into account a player’s on-base percentage and slugging percentage) over the past three seasons.

As we can see, Kepler’s production has declined in each of these categories over the past three seasons, which could be a factor in the Twins’ decision-making process when it comes to his future with the team.

FAQs

Has Max Kepler been with the Twins his entire career?

Yes, Kepler was signed by the Twins as an international free agent in 2009 and has been with the team ever since. He made his Major League debut with the Twins in 2015.

What position does Max Kepler play?

Kepler is an outfielder who has played all three outfield positions throughout his career. He is known for his strong arm and defensive abilities.

How has Max Kepler performed in the postseason?

Kepler has had mixed results in the postseason. In the Twins’ playoff appearances in 2017, 2019, and 2020, Kepler has hit .237 with 2 home runs and 6 RBIs in 13 games.

What is Max Kepler’s contract situation?

Kepler signed a five-year, $35 million contract extension with the Twins in February 2019. The deal includes a team option for the 2024 season, with a buyout clause of $1 million.

What are Max Kepler’s strengths as a player?

Kepler is known for his defensive abilities, particularly his strong arm and range in the outfield. He is also a left-handed hitter who has shown the ability to hit for power and get on base consistently throughout his career. Additionally, he is known for his work ethic and leadership qualities.

Conclusion

Max Kepler’s status with the Minnesota Twins is uncertain as he enters the final guaranteed season of his contract. While he has shown flashes of excellence in the past, his declining production and injury history have made him a less valuable asset for the team.

The Twins have not made any major public statements about Kepler’s future with the team, leaving fans to speculate about what the team’s plans might be.

Possible scenarios for Kepler’s future with the Twins include a trade, a return to the roster for the 2022 season, or his release from the team.

As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Twins approach Kepler’s situation and what moves they make to shape their roster for the upcoming season.