PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Major League Baseball announced on Friday that free agent outfielder Max Kepler has been suspended for 80 games following a positive test for a banned performance-enhancing substance. The 32-year-old player tested positive for epitrenbolone, a metabolite of trenbolone, which is commonly found in some bodybuilding products and used to promote cattle growth.
Kepler, who spent the first decade of his career with the Minnesota Twins after signing as a 16-year-old in 2009, most recently played for the Philadelphia Phillies on a one-year, $10 million contract during the 2025 season. Despite a promising start to his career, Kepler struggled last year, finishing with a .216 batting average, 18 home runs, and 52 RBIs across 127 games. Over his 11-year MLB tenure, he has compiled a .225 batting average with 179 home runs and 560 RBIs.
This suspension marks a significant moment, as Kepler is the first player to be penalized for epitrenbolone since Major League Baseball began publicly announcing penalty details in 2005. The substance has previously led to suspensions in other sports, including boxer Manuel Charr in 2018 and cyclist Carl Grove, who was disqualified from a world record after a positive test at the 2018 Masters Track National Championship.
Kepler accepted the suspension without contesting the discipline through the grievance process. According to MLB protocols, even if Kepler remains unsigned by opening day in March, he can serve his suspension while actively seeking a contract with a team.
Last year, 14 players faced suspensions for positive drug tests under the MLB program, including two notable 80-game suspensions: Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar and Phillies closer José Alvarado. The league continues to enforce strict policies to maintain the integrity of the sport.
Major League Baseball’s drug testing and disciplinary measures align with broader efforts by organizations such as the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and the Food and Drug Administration to curb the use of performance-enhancing substances in professional sports. The MLB’s official announcement can be found on their website, detailing the ongoing commitment to fair play and athlete health.
Kepler’s suspension adds to the ongoing conversation about doping in baseball and the challenges athletes face in navigating the complex landscape of banned substances. As the league moves forward, it continues to emphasize transparency and accountability, working closely with players’ unions and medical experts.
For further details on MLB’s drug policy and recent suspensions, visit the Major League Baseball official site. Updates on player eligibility and disciplinary actions are regularly posted to ensure fans and teams remain informed.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
