The Philadelphia Phillies should try and move on from Max Kepler. Matt Gelb of The Athletic published an article in which Kepler openly complained about his lack of playing time. Kepler told Gelb that he was informed he was going to be the Phillies everyday left fielder. However, as Gelb notes, Kepler has been in an unofficial platoon. Outside of a brief hot streak at the end of April, Kepler has largely underperformed. Additionally, as Gelb mentions, Kepler has made three starts against left-handed starting pitchers. Weston Wilson and Otto Kemp have platooned with Kepler. Kemp seems to be in line to stay up after Bryce Harper returns from injury.
These comments also come after a controversy involving Nick Castellanos last week. Castellanos was benched after confronting Phillies manager Rob Thomson for taking him out for a defensive replacement. Thomson has not removed Castellanos for a defensive replacement in a close game since. Furthermore, this was the first instance of Thomson doing that. Thomson now has another problem on his hands after the comments Kepler made. The Phillies clubhouse seemingly does not have good vibes right now. This needs to change soon if the Phillies want to make a deep postseason run. Trading Kepler should be explored before making a decision to release him.
Phillies Should Try To Move On
Questionable Decision From The Start
Kepler being signed by the Phillies was a curious move from the get-go. The Phillies added a left-handed batter in the outfield when they have needed a right-handed outfield bat for three years. Kepler was also coming off a season where he played 105 games. In addition, Kepler has not played more than 150 games in a season since 2018. To add to that, Kepler has not had more than 500 plate appearances in a season since 2019. Last season, Kepler had a .253/.302/.380 line with eight home runs and 42 RBI for the Minnesota Twins. Kepler had a 94 wRC+ along with a .300 BABIP last season. Furthermore, Kepler had an abysmal 0.28 BB/K rate last year.
Continuing Lack Of Success At The Plate
This season, Kepler has a .209/.300/.383 line with nine home runs and 27 RBI in 72 games. Kepler has a 91 wRC+ with a .233 BABIP this season. However, Kepler does have an improved 0.51 BB/K rate. Outside of that, Kepler is posting similar numbers to last season. Since May 1, Kepler has a .179/.270/.364 line with six home runs along with 20 RBI in 45 games. Kepler has a 77 wRC+ and a .192 BABIP in that span. To add, Kepler has a 0.45 BB/K rate during that stretch. A .697 OPS and a 96 wRC+ while facing right-handed pitching and a .621 OPS and a 70 wRC+ against left-handed pitching will not cut it. The Phillies should look to move on from Kepler if this is how he is acting.
Alternative Options Within The Organization
Gelb said the Phillies could part ways with Kepler, but it does not appear to be imminent. If the Phillies do what they arguably should do and move on from Kepler, Gelb wrote that the team is intrigued by Justin Crawford. Thomson told Gelb that Crawford could be in line for a call to the show if the opportunity arises. Crawford has a .332/.408/.435 line with two home runs and 28 RBI in 62 Triple-A games this season. To add, Crawford has a 129 wRC+ along with a .412 BABIP this year. Crawford also has a 0.62 BB/K rate. Based on what Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski told Jayson Stark of The Athletic, the team seems to prefer Crawford over trading for someone.
Main Photo Credits: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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