Diamondbacks Sign PED-Suspended Max Kepler to Prorated Minimum Deal
Arizona agreed Sunday to a prorated share of the $780,000 minimum salary plus up to $500,000 in roster bonuses. Kepler remains under an 80-game ban that ends June 25.
larrybrownsports.comThe Arizona Diamondbacks signed outfielder Max Kepler on June 7, 2026. Kepler is serving an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. Kepler agreed to a contract for a prorated share of the $780,000 minimum salary.
The deal also includes the chance to earn $500,000 in roster bonuses. Kepler can start a minor league assignment on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. His suspension is scheduled to have 15 days remaining on that date.
If no Arizona games are postponed, Kepler would be eligible to play for the Diamondbacks on June 25, 2026. If he returns to the major league roster on that date, he would receive $396,257 in salary for the remainder of the season. Kepler would earn a $100,000 bonus for 35 days on the active roster.
Kepler remains on the restricted list for the remainder of the suspension. He will not occupy a spot on the 40-man roster during the ban.
Kepler is ineligible to appear in the postseason in 2026. Kepler was suspended in January 2026 for a positive test for Epitrenbolone. Epitrenbolone is a metabolite of Trenbolone. Kepler was the first player suspended by MLB for Epitrenbolone since public announcements of penalty details began in 2005.
216 with 18 home runs and 52 RBIs with Philadelphia in 2025. He agreed to a $10 million, one-year contract with Philadelphia prior to the 2025 season. Kepler was slowed in 2024 by left patellar tendinitis.
He had core surgery after the 2025 season to repair a sports hernia. Kepler grew up in Germany and signed with the Twins at age 16 in 2009.
