The Philadelphia Phillies have finalized a one-year, $10 million contract with outfielder Max Kepler, pending a physical examination.

Kepler is expected to primarily play left field for the Phillies, who are in need of an everyday left fielder or a platoon partner for lefty-hitting Brandon Marsh.

Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, expressed confidence in Kepler's ability to play every day in left field after his recovery from surgery.

Last season, Kepler played in 105 games for the Minnesota Twins, achieving a batting average of .253 with 8 home runs, 21 doubles, and 42 RBIs.

Historically, Kepler has struggled against left-handed pitchers, hitting just .221 with a .655 OPS, although he showed improvement to .254 in the last three seasons.

The Phillies' outfield ranked in the bottom third of Major League Baseball in 2024, prompting the team to seek improvements this offseason following their NLDS loss to the New York Mets.

With Kepler's acquisition, the Phillies may transition Brandon Marsh to center field and retain Nick Castellanos in right field.

The addition of Kepler raises the Phillies' projected payroll to approximately $296 million, nearing the luxury tax threshold of $301 million.

Dombrowski indicated that significant offensive signings are unlikely due to financial constraints related to luxury tax penalties.

This offseason has been relatively quiet for the Phillies, with their most notable signing being closer Jordan Romano to a one-year, $8.5 million contract.

Both Kepler and reliever Jordan Romano, signed this offseason, are on one-year contracts, indicating the Phillies' strategy to address immediate needs without long-term commitments.

The Phillies, who won the NL East by six games, face competition as star players from rival teams are joining or recovering in their divisions.