OF Max Kepler suspended 80 games for PED violation

Field Level Media|published: 01/09/2026, 3:52pm EST

Sep 16, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Max Kepler (17) hits a solo home run during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Outfielder Max Kepler, currently a free agent, has been suspended 80 games by Major League Baseball after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

In this case, that substance is epitrenbolone, which is on the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list as an anabolic agent. Its usage is in violation of MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Kepler, 32, made his big league debut with the Twins in 2015 and appeared in 1,072 games with Minnesota through the 2024 season. He signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2025 and played in 127 games, hitting .216 with 18 home runs and 52 RBIs.

In his career, he has a .235 batting average, 179 homers, 560 RBIs, a .425 slugging percentage and a .316 on-base percentage.

--Field Level Media