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Phillies’ Rob Thomson Breaks Silence on Max Kepler Situation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Griffin Goodwyn | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies were on fire Friday night, as they rebounded from a string of four losses in five games to defeat the Atlanta Braves 13-0.

But before their offensive explosion, the Phillies had to douse some internal flames after comments made by outfielder Max Kepler regarding his joining the team in free agency this past offseason.

According to The Athletic's Matt Gelb, Kepler was told by the Phillies' front office that he would be the club's everyday left fielder, but he has started just three times against left-handed starters this season. Kepler claims he was misled by the Phillies and doubled down on his previous comments pre-game on Friday.

"I mean, I signed here being told that I was going to be the starting left fielder," Kepler said, via MLB.com's Paul Casella. "The everyday starting left fielder. So, there's my answer. That's why I came here."

Phillies manager Rob Thompson has since broken his silence on the situation, offering his stance on whether he considers Kepler to be a starter and empathizing with the former Minnesota Twins slugger's perspective.

"I trust Max. I really do. And he's started, what, 60 games for us? So, I kind of consider that a starter myself," Thomson said, also via Casella. "But I see where the frustration is, because these guys want to play – and that's a good thing."

Thomson expanded further on his own comments in an appearance on 94 WIP Phillies Radio.

"I like the fact that he wants to play. When guys don’t play, they do get frustrated," Thomson said, via NBC 10 Philadelphia's John Clark. "Maybe they say some things that should maybe be left inside. I know these guys are proud and want to play. They want to get out there and compete. That’s fine.”

Keple – who signed a one-year, $10 million contract ahead of the 2025 season – is hitting .213 with nine home runs, 28 RBIs, a .687 OPS and 0.1 WAR (according to Baseball Reference) in 73 appearances.

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

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