The Philadelphia Phillies were looking to upgrade their outfield before the 2025 season, and they found 32-year-old Max Kepler to fill that role, per MLB.com's Todd Zolecki. The thought of him being a major contributor was possible, but his .209 batting average and .683 OPS have led Phillies fans to disappointment in another flawed attempt at outfield help.
After a 2-1 loss on Thursday and being swept in three games in Houston, Kepler voiced his opinion on the lack of starts he's receiving and caused a stir among fans as well.
The Phillies placed him in a platoon role inevitably with the revolving door that is the Phillies' outfield (subscription required), per Matt Gelb of The Athletic. As shared by Destiny Lugardo of Phillies Nation, Kepler believes he was misled regarding his role with the team so far and that he needs more of a rhythm to keep himself sharp.
The last thing Phillies fans want to hear is complaining from a struggling Max Kepler
Something Phillies fans hate is bad performance. What they hate even more is the excuses that follow that same bad performance. Kepler has played in 73 games and accumulated 267 plate appearances in 2025, which is the seventh-highest on the Phillies. Per Gelb, Kepler was told that he was going to be the guy manning left field every day.
“I was told I was going to be the starting left fielder,” Kepler stated, per Gelb.
After X user Mike (@mhc_76) shared his pointed thoughts about Kepler, with a passage from Gelb's article, Philly piled on.
Are we serious here? All-time loser pic.twitter.com/XdCMdXwJSV
— Mike (@mhc_76) June 27, 2025
The Good Phight (@TheGoodPhight) informed Kepler he can take his ball and go home.
Max Kepler can take his ball and go home https://t.co/oriUJxhWOE
— The Good Phight (@TheGoodPhight) June 27, 2025
John Marks (@JonMarksMedia) echoed that sentiment, kindly telling Kepler he can show himself out.
Max Kepler can leave right now. A change of scenery would be great for both sides https://t.co/MgUnE95m2M
— Jon Marks (@JonMarksMedia) June 27, 2025
And user Billy Freeman (@wfreeman0) laid it out as plainly as possible for Kepler, saying he doesn't get to complain about playing time when playing like garbage.
Gonna be so honest max kepler you don't get to complain about playing time when you're playing like garbage.
— Billy Freeman (@wfreeman0) June 27, 2025
Phillies should cut him. https://t.co/fpcx9soyvq
There is some credence to what Kepler is saying, as Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski did say back in December the plan was to make Kepler the everyday left fielder. That was before any games had been played, which then forced the Phillies to change their approach with him. The plan changed when Kepler stopped performing to the standard the club needed. It just seems that the Phillies are hitting a breaking point with Kepler.
Kepler's .209 batting average is last among qualified hitters for the Phillies. His .683 OPS also ranks third-worst, just ahead of Bryson Stott and J.T. Realmuto. Kepler is also 2-for-his-last-24 dating back to June 16. He may have only started three total games against left-handed starters, but the fan base won't feel much sympathy with no real numbers to back it up.
Against right-handers this season, Kepler has a .621 OPS, but against righties, has a .696 OPS. The splits aren't drastically different, but the overall production just hasn't been there to give him free rein every day.
Kepler is in a tough position, without a doubt. The environment in Philadelphia can be intense, but to blame it on rhythm and playing time is absurd and falls on deaf ears. The Phillies have Kepler only for this year, but if the antics continue, the Phillies may move off him to find a replacement.