Max Kepler gets 80-game ban for PED violation

Free-agent outfielder Max Kepler received an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance called epitrenbolone, MLB announced Friday.

Kepler's punishment will begin at the start of the 2026 season regardless of whether he's signed his next contract, according to ESPN's Alden González. If he's still a free agent on Opening Day, he'll receive credit based on games the Philadelphia Phillies - his team in 2025 - play until he signs elsewhere.

The suspension also means Kepler will be ineligible to participate in the 2026 playoffs.

Epitrenbolone is a metabolite of trenbolone, which is an anabolic steroid primarily used to enhance muscles in cattle.

The 32-year-old hit 18 homers with 52 RBIs and a .691 OPS over 127 games for the Phillies last season. He joined Philadelphia on a one-year, $10-million deal last winter.

Prior to joining the Phillies, the Germany native spent 10 years with the Minnesota Twins.