Could Max Keplerâs days with the Philadelphia Phillies be numbered?
Kepler has struggled mightily in his first season in Philadelphia, slashing just .205/.302/.360 with 10 home runs and 31 RBI in 88 games.
Itâs certainly not what the Phillies had in mind when they signed Kepler to a one-year, $10 million deal in December, penciling him in as their everyday left fielder.
The 32-year-old Kepler is hitting .105 over his last seven games, .163 over his last 15 games, and .191 over his last 30 games. He has been equally woeful against left-handers and right-handers, hitting .204 and .205, respectively.
Kepler started in left field on Monday and went 1-for-3 with a walk in a 3-2, 10-inning victory over the Boston Red Sox to end a four-game hitless streak.
As the July 31 trade deadline draws closer, with the Phillies clinging to a half-game lead over the New York Mets atop the National League East, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski could soon look for more consistent offense at Keplerâs expense.
Why Has Max Kepler Struggled?
Kepler expressed frustration about his lack of playing time last month during the Philliesâ 26-inning scoreless streak, suggesting theyâd broken their promise to him of everyday at-bats.
âThe biggest challenge for me is not playing routinely,â Kepler told the Athleticâs Matt Gelb. âThatâs the biggest challenge. I was told I was going to be the starting left fielder.â
Brought in to provide power, Kepler has hit just one homer since then.
Phillies outfielders entered Monday ranked 18th in the majors in average (.241), 27th in homers (28), and 25th in OPS (.680).
In 105 games last season with the Minnesota Twins, Kepler hit .253 with eight homers and 42 RBI. His most productive season came in 2019 when he slugged 36 homers with 90 RBI for a career-best .855 OPS.
Where Could the Phillies Look for Outfield Help?
The Athleticâs Charlotte Varnes recently suggested that Philadelphia could look to move Kepler or center fielder Brandon Marsh before the deadline to create more at-bats for top prospect Justin Crawford.
âTheir value would be low,â Varnes noted, âbut at least Marsh has two-plus years of remaining team control.
The left-handed Crawford â whose father, Carl, was a four-time All-Star with Tampa Bay â has been hot offensively with Triple-A Lehigh Valley, hitting .325 with two homers, 29 RBI and 29 stolen bases.
MLB Pipeline ranks Crawford, 21, as the No. 45 overall prospect in baseball.
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