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Max Kepler Calls Out Phillies For Misleading Him in Free Agency

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 10:50 AM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies didn't add a lot of outside help in the offseason. Jesus Luzardo has been great in the rotation, but he had a rough stretch where he was shelled. Jordan Romano has struggled all year.

The lone offensive addition, Max Kepler, also hasn't found his footing in Philadelphia. But Kepler believes there's a good reason for his lackluster play in 2025: he's blaming the Phillies organization.

After the Phillies' horrendous series against the Houston Astros, Matt Gelb of The Athletic shared Kepler's comments on his current role on the team. There, he called out the Phillies for misleading him in the offseason.

"The biggest challenge for me is not playing routinely," Kepler said. "That's the biggest challenge. ... I was told I was going to be the starting left fielder."

Kepler, who's hitting .209 halfway through the year, is calling out the Phillies' leadership for misleading him in the offseason. Coming into the year, Kepler was promised the starting job in left field.

But between Weston Wilson and now Otto Kemp, Kepler isn't playing every day, especially against left-handed pitching. Out of the Phillies' 81 games, Kepler has played in 61, with just three starts against a lefty pitcher.

It's been a rocky start to the year for the Phillies and Kepler, and these comments further heighten things. Kepler calling out the Phillies isn't the first time an outfielder butted heads with Phillies leadership this season.

Just a few weeks ago, Nick Castellanos made a comment that got him benched against the Miami Marlins. While Rob Thomson and Castellanos called it water under the bridge, the rift was created.

Now, Kepler is creating a rift, as he's not only complaining about his playing time, but putting the onus on the Phillies organization. Kepler is calling out the Phillies for, essentially, lying to him in the offseason.

Instead of being the team's everyday left fielder, he's platooning with players. Kepler is frustrated with the Phillies, and based on Kepler's play, the Phillies are likely disappointed as well.

Kepler has been having his worst offensive season in his career, with an 87 OPS+ halfway through the season. Last year, they ditched Whit Merrifield after his poor start. Kepler might be the next one-year free agent the Phillies ditch in the middle of the season.

Such a decision might be easier to make with Kepler's recent comments. He's not only calling out the organization, but putting the Phillies in a tough spot. Kepler hasn't played well this year, and his callout of the organization is a further blemish on a very important season for the Phillies.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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