The Minnesota Twins recently added a new outfielder in Joey Gallo. They now have a potential trade chip in right fielder Max Kepler. Kepler is reportedly gaining trade interest across the league. The Brewers have not been revealed as a team linked to him. However, the Brew Crew was reportedly interested in Diamondbacks outfielder Dalton Varsho earlier this offseason, so they could potentially be interested in Kepler as well.
Lot of trade interest in Max Kepler following the Joey Gallo signing by Twins
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 17, 2022
Should the Brewers consider pursing Twins outfielder Max Kepler via trade?
Kepler has played all eight of his major league seasons with the Twins. He has a career .232/.317/.427 slash line and 101 wRC+. In 2019 he hit 36 home runs, but he has not eclipsed 20 long balls since. Additionally, he had a career low in slugging percentage in 2022 at .348.
Defensively, Kepler ranked in the 97th percentile in outs above average last season. He posted 10 defensive runs saved in 2022 and nine in 2021. He’s got a very strong throwing arm and has 39 career outfield assists.
Contract wise, Kepler is set to make $8.5MM in 2022. He has a $10MM club option for 2023 with a $1MM buyout. If the Brewers were to acquire Kepler, he would be cheaper than Hunter Renfore would have been and wouldn’t be a long term block for outfield prospect Joey Wiemer.
If the Brewers are looking to add another outfielder, it will be interesting to see if they become linked to Kepler. He does have some concerns given his regression in offensive output and production since 2019, but he is very valuable defensively.
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