The Philadelphia Phillies had a weak and inconsistent outfield a season ago and didn’t do much to improve it during the offseason. The team brought in Max Kepler on a one-year deal, but the veteran has failed to prove himself in the Phillies’ lineup. Otto Kemp has shown the Phillies enough to say goodbye to Kepler, especially after this past weekend.
The Phillies had hoped Kepler could return to his 2019 self when he hit 32 doubles and 36 home runs with the Minnesota Twins. Unfortunately, the 32-year-old is having arguably the worst season of his career offensively, owning a .205 batting average entering Monday’s series opener against the Chicago White Sox.
With the July 31 trade deadline days away and younger players taking advantage of opportunities, Kepler’s tenure with the Phillies could be cut shorter than expected (subscription required), per The Athletic’s Matt Gelb.
Otto Kemp has given Phillies enough to say goodbye to Max Kepler
Kemp made his major league debut with the Phillies in June when Bryce Harper landed on the IL with right wrist inflammation. After going 0-for-5 to start his career, Kemp has provided the Phillies’ offense with a much-needed spark since his three-hit performance on June 9 against the Chicago Cubs.
Kemp saw a lot of action at first base and third base while Harper was on the IL. However, due to the lack of production in the outfield, the Phillies have given the 25-year-old opportunities in left field to keep his bat in the lineup.
Although he’s batting .250, Kemp has six multi-hit games, including his most recent in Sunday’s loss to the New York Yankees, when he hit two solo home runs. He has 10 extra-base hits and 14 RBI in 35 games and is hitting .300 against left-handed pitching.
First career multi-homer game for Otto Kemp!! pic.twitter.com/J7vKc9n15s
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 27, 2025
If the Phillies do move on from Kepler before the end of the season, whether it’s a trade or release, Kemp isn’t the only option to take over left field. The Phillies’ No. 3 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, has been enjoying tremendous success at the plate in his first full season at Triple-A this year.
After hitting .313 between High-A and Double-A in 2024, Justin Crawford has carried that momentum to Lehigh Valley in 2025. The 21-year-old left-handed hitter owns a .327 batting average with a .409 on-base percentage, 18 doubles, three triples, three home runs, 31 RBI and 31 stolen bases in 81 games.
It may be time to move on from the struggling Kepler and allow the young players to prove themselves in the outfield at the big league level.