Max Kepler was suspended for 80 games this winter after he tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug Epitrenbolone. Rich Storry / Getty Images
June 7, 2026 Updated 9:36 pm EDT
Suspended veteran outfielder Max Kepler signed a major league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team announced Sunday. Kepler will not be able to join the team until June 25, when he’s done serving an 80-game suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
Kepler, 33, tested positive for Epitrenbolone, Major League Baseball announced Jan. 9. He spent last season with the Philadelphia Phillies, after playing his first 10 big league seasons with the Minnesota Twins.
Kepler, a native of Germany, will remain on the restricted list for Arizona until he is eligible to return. If the Diamondbacks were to make the postseason, Kepler would not be eligible due to the failed PED test. They are currently tied with the Chicago Cubs for the final National League wild-card spot.
Outfield production has been an issue for the Diamondbacks this season. Center fielder Alek Thomas was designated for assignment, left fielder Tim Tawa was optioned amid poor production, and both Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Jordan Lawlar remain on the injured list.
The terms of Kepler’s contract were not announced by the club. Kepler has not commented publicly on his suspension. He has a career .741 OPS and 179 career homers, while amassing 20.6 bWAR. In 127 games last season in Philadelphia, Kepler posted a .691 OPS.
Jun 8, 2026
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