Max Kepler Landing Spots: 3 potential destinations for veteran ex-Twins outfielder

After the end of the 2024 season, the $10 million club option between Max Kepler and his team, the Minnesota Twins, expired. As such, the 31-year-old outfielder is now a free agent on the open market.

Though he showed some power in 2024, injuries limited Kepler to just 105 games throughout the season. A big bat who will likely be ready to go for opening day, today we will be examining some potential destinations for Max Kepler.

Top Three Landing Spots for Max Kepler

3. Seattle Mariners

Lack of consistent hitting was the downfall of the Seattle Mariners in 2024. Despite pitching to an MLB-best 3.49 ERA in the season, Mariners bats simply could not help their team to the postseason.

"There is no hotter baseball player than Max Kepler" - Twins Central

After acquiring Randy Arozarena from the Rays at the deadline, this issue was addressed. However, Mariners GM Justin Hollander knows that power hitting comes from the outfield and more needs to be done. A former 36-home run hitter, Max Kepler would be a solid addition in right field with Arozarena in left and former Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez in center.

2. Atlanta Braves

Another offensive underperformer who was saved by magnificent pitching in 2024 was the Atlanta Braves. In 2025, fans will breathe a sigh of relief as former MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. returns. However, besides the Venezuelan sparkplug, Atlanta's outfield could certainly use some work.

Although Jared Kelenic and Michael Harris II both had decent seasons, neither possesses the power of Kepler. As such, a play for the German-born former Twin would be an excellent way for Atlanta to work their way back to 2023 - when they set an MLB record in team slugging percentage.

1. New York Yankees

Although it might have initially been seen as a likely outcome that the New York Yankees would re-sign Juan Soto, stiff competition has cast that prospect into doubt.

"MAX KEPLER WALKS IT OFF FOR THE TWINS" - Talkin' Baseball

Should the Yankees lose Soto in free agency, New York will have no choice but to surround Aaron Judge with rookies like Oswaldo Cabrera and Jasson Dominguez. Although they might have bright futures, right now they are still young. Kepler, who undoubtedly wants a multi-year deal, may find a willing suitor in a Yankees team that does not want to see their superlative power diminish should Soto leave town.