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Arizona Signs Max Kepler, Serves 80-Game Ban

6/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Arizona signed outfielder Max Kepler to a one-year deal on June 7, 2026.
Kepler remains on the restricted list serving an 80-game Epitrenbolone suspension, eligible June 25, 2026 but barred from the postseason.
His contract provides a prorated share of the $780,000 minimum and up to $500,000 in bonuses, including $396,257 salary.
Arizona, tied for 23rd with a .695 OPS and 58 home runs, hopes Kepler’s left-handed power will lift its offense.

History

Historical Context

After the BALCO scandal prompted MLB to adopt tougher penalties in November 2005—raising a first-offense suspension to 50 games—the league further increased the penalty to an 80-game ban in the 2014 policy revision. That framework now governs the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2026 signing of outfielder Max Kepler, who will serve the 80-game suspension.

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Story summary

Arizona signed outfielder Max Kepler to a one-year deal on June 7, 2026.
Kepler remains on the restricted list serving an 80-game Epitrenbolone suspension, eligible June 25, 2026 but barred from the postseason.
His contract provides a prorated share of the $780,000 minimum and up to $500,000 in bonuses, including $396,257 salary.
Arizona, tied for 23rd with a .695 OPS and 58 home runs, hopes Kepler’s left-handed power will lift its offense.

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