Diamondbacks sign suspended Max Kepler ahead of 80-game ban
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 8, 2026, 3:21 AM
Last updated Jun 8, 2026
The Arizona Diamondbacks signed outfielder Max Kepler on June 7, despite him facing an 80-game suspension due to a performance-enhancing drugs violation. Kepler's suspension started while he was a free agent, allowing the Diamondbacks to secure his contract as he serves the ban. He is eligible to return on June 25, aiming to contribute to the team later this summer. Kepler previously posted a.691 OPS last season, indicating potential value to Arizona's lineup.
- •Diamondbacks signed Max Kepler on June 7.
- •Kepler is suspended for 80 games due to PEDs.
- •He is eligible to return on June 25.
- •Kepler had a.691 OPS last season.
- •The decision aims to strengthen the lineup for later this summer.
- 4:14 AMESPN MLB — Kepler, still serving PED ban, signs with D-backs
- 2:53 AMYahoo Sports — Max Kepler signs with Diamondbacks while still serving suspension for performance-enhancing drugs
- 1:30 AMYahoo Sports — Why Diamondbacks signed suspended Max Kepler, and how long he will be out
"The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed outfielder Max Kepler, who is still serving an 80-game suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Kepler will not be able to report to the team until June 25, when his suspension ends. Kepler tested positive in January for Epitrenbolone, a metabolite of Trenbolone that's contained in some products used in body-building stores and has been used in products to promote cattle growth.
"The Diamondbacks on Sunday signed OF Max Kepler, who is still serving an 80-game suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
Sources
External links- ESPN MLBJun 8, 2026, 4:14 AMKepler, still serving PED ban, signs with D-backs
The Diamondbacks on Sunday signed OF Max Kepler, who is still serving an 80-game suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
- Yahoo SportsJun 8, 2026, 2:53 AMMax Kepler signs with Diamondbacks while still serving suspension for performance-enhancing drugs
The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed outfielder Max Kepler, who is still serving an 80-game suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Kepler will not be able to report to the team until June 25, when his suspension ends. Kepler tested positive in January for Epitrenbolone, a metabolite of Trenbolone that's contained in some products used in body-building stores and has been used in products to promote cattle growth.
- Yahoo SportsJun 8, 2026, 1:30 AMWhy Diamondbacks signed suspended Max Kepler, and how long he will be out
This was a curious move by Arizona.
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