Archive · 10 Jan 2026
Max Kepler Suspended 80 Games for PED Violation
Max Kepler, a baseball player who is currently not signed to any team, has been suspended for 80 games.
This is because he tested positive for a banned substance called Epitrenbolone, which is related to steroids.
The suspension means he can't play for the first half of the season if he signs with a team in 2026.
He also can't play in the playoffs that year.
Kepler played for the Philadelphia Phillies last year and has been a professional baseball player for 11 years.
He hit 18 home runs last season but had a down year overall.
This suspension might make it harder for him to find a new team because teams might not want to sign someone who can't play for the first part of the season.
Max Kepler, a free agent outfielder, was suspended for 80 games by MLB for testing positive for Epitrenbolone, a banned performance-enhancing substance.
The suspension begins once Kepler signs a 2026 contract, meaning he will miss the first half of the season and be ineligible for the 2026 postseason.
Kepler spent the 2025 season with the Philadelphia Phillies, hitting .216 with 18 home runs and 52 RBIs.
Over his 11-year career, Kepler has a .235 batting average with 179 home runs and 560 RBIs.
The suspension is expected to reduce Kepler's market value and make it harder for him to find a new team.
- Who
- Max Kepler, a 32-year-old free agent outfielder
- What
- Suspended for 80 games for testing positive for Epitrenbolone, a banned performance-enhancing substance
- When
- Suspension announced on January 9, 2026; starts upon signing a 2026 contract
- Where
- Major League Baseball (MLB)
- Why
- Violation of MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program
- Player
- Max Kepler
- Suspension Length
- 80 games
- Substance
- Epitrenbolone
- Team (2025)
- Philadelphia Phillies
- Career HR
- 179
- Career RBI
- 560
- Career BA
- .235
- Contract Status
- Free Agent