Max Kepler: News | Contract | Jewish | Wife | Age | ESPN | Trade

Max Kepler has been one of the most intriguing and consistent professional baseball outfielders of the past decade. A German-American native, Kepler’s professional journey to Major League Baseball defied odds — rising from European leagues to MLB stardom. Whether it’s contract news, personal life, trade speculation, or controversy, here’s the latest and most comprehensive breakdown.

Latest Max Kepler News (2025–2026)

Max Kepler’s offseason has been dominated by major headlines.

80-Game Suspension (January 2026)

As of early January 2026, Max Kepler received an 80-game suspension from Major League Baseball for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance under MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The positive test was for epitrenbolone — a banned anabolic agent. The suspension will be enforced when he signs with a new team and will make him ineligible for the 2026 postseason until it’s served.

Free Agency Status

Kepler is currently a free agent. After finishing the 2025 season with the Philadelphia Phillies, he elected free agency following his one-year contract.

Career Recap

In his 12 MLB seasons, Kepler has accumulated nearly 180 home runs and over 560 RBIs, making him one of the most productive German-born players in MLB history.

Max Kepler Contract History

Throughout his baseball career, Kepler has had several noteworthy contracts.

Minnesota Twins (2015–2024)

• Kepler was signed by the Minnesota Twins as a teen and developed through their system.

• In 2019, he signed a five-year, $35 million contract with Minnesota, which included a team option. This deal made him one of the highest-paid German athletes in North American sports at the time.

Philadelphia Phillies (2025)

• On December 20, 2024, Kepler agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. ESPN reported the signing, pending a physical exam.

• In 2025, he batted .216 with 18 home runs and 52 RBIs across 127 games.

Pending Future Contracts

Due to the suspension he received in January 2026, any future contract offers will likely be impacted — teams may factor in the missed 80 games when negotiating.

Is Max Kepler Jewish?

There has been curiosity about Kepler’s heritage and religion — a common question among fans.

→ Max Kepler is not Jewish. He is of German-American nationality and has publicly identified with Christianity, not Judaism. Sources indicate he believes in Christianity, and there’s no credible report of Jewish heritage.

This distinction is important because players from diverse global backgrounds sometimes lead to confusion about religion and roots.

Max Kepler’s Personal Life: Wife, Relationships, and Family

Marital Status

As of 2026, Max Kepler is unmarried. There are no public records confirming he has a wife or that he has been married.

Relationships

• Kepler has dated notable figures, including American soccer players Abby Dahlkemper and Katie Johnson.

• More recently, reports suggest he has been in a relationship with a girlfriend whose identity he has chosen to keep private. Sources note that she lives abroad, and he spent offseason time with her in Paris.

Family Background

• Parents: His mother, Kathy Kepler, is American, and his father, Marek Rozycki, is Polish. Both were professional ballet dancers in Berlin.

• Sibling: Kepler also has a younger sister named Emma.

• His family has been supportive, often attending his games and serving as part of his motivation for success.

Max Kepler’s Age and Early Life

Age and Birthplace

• Born: February 10, 1993

• Birthplace: Berlin, Germany

• Age (as of January 2026): 32, turning 33 in February 2026.

Early Years in Baseball

Growing up in Berlin, Kepler played baseball from a young age, joining local leagues and earning notice for his athleticism. Before signing with the Twins, he played for Buchbinder Legionäre Regensburg in Germany’s top baseball league.

Career Stats & Highlights (ESPN)

According to ESPN stats:

• Career games: 1,199

• Hits: 983

• Home runs: 179

• RBIs: 560

• Career batting average: .235

• 2025 season: .216 average, 18 home runs, 52 RBIs.

Kepler’s numbers show a solid MLB career highlighted by durability, power, and defensive versatility.

Trade Rumors and Speculation

While Kepler had been a stable presence with the Twins for a decade, trade rumors occasionally circulated:

• Trade chatter: At various points in his career, posts on fan forums and social media speculated about his value in trades — especially during years when Minnesota sought depth or payroll moves.

• 2024–25: Kepler’s performance dipped compared to earlier seasons, and there wasn’t any significant blockbuster trade involving him before moving to free agency.

The key takeaway: Kepler was often talked about as a potential trade candidate, but most rumors stayed speculative and never materialized into major deals.

ESPN Coverage & Analyst Views

ESPN has been a major source for tracking Kepler’s career and news.

• ESPN broke the suspension story, noting the violation of MLB’s drug policy and its implications on free agency and postseason eligibility.

• Their player bio and stat pages continue to provide updated numbers and insights into Kepler’s performance, batting splits, and scouting evaluations.

ESPN’s reporting frames Kepler as a veteran bat with power and defensive value, but one facing uphill factors due to age and the recent suspension.

Why Max Kepler Matters in MLB

Max Kepler’s story is compelling for several reasons:

European Success in an American Sport

Baseball isn’t the most popular sport in Germany — yet Kepler rose from local leagues to the big leagues, becoming one of the most successful German-born MLB players.

Consistency and Longevity

From his debut in 2015 with the Twins to signing with the Phillies in 2025, Kepler sustained a long MLB career — a challenging feat for international position players.

Free Agency & Future Opportunities

Despite the setback, Kepler’s name will remain in offseason conversations — especially with teams looking for experienced outfield depth once his suspension is resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How old is Max Kepler?

A: As of January 2026, Max Kepler is 32 years old and will turn 33 on February 10, 2026.

Q2: Is Max Kepler Jewish?

A: No. Kepler is not Jewish. He is of German-American descent and has been associated with Christianity.

Q3: Is Max Kepler married?

A: As of 2026, Kepler is not married and does not have a wife.

Q4: Why was Max Kepler suspended?

A: He received an 80-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance under MLB’s doping policy.

Q5: What teams has Max Kepler played for?

A: Kepler has played for the Minnesota Twins (2015–2024) and the Philadelphia Phillies (2025).

Q6: What is Max Kepler’s best season?

A: Statistically, his 2019 season was one of his strongest, hitting a career-high 36 home runs and contributing to the Twins’ powerful offense.

Q7: Has Max Kepler ever been traded?

A: No major MLB trade occurred involving Kepler during his career. Most trade talk remained speculative among fans and analysts.

Final Summary

Max Kepler’s journey from Berlin youth leagues to Major League Baseball is nothing short of remarkable. Along the way, he signed lucrative contracts, built a productive career, and became a fan favorite across MLB. While his current suspension poses a major career obstacle, his track record suggests he could still offer impactful play once eligible.