The star of former twins reveals a large change with Phillies

For the first time in her professional baseball career, Max Kepler wears a uniform that does not belong to the twins of Minnesota. After signing one year, $ 10 million of contract with Philadelphia Phillies In December, the veteran suits had to adapt to new teammates, coaches and fresh access to shocks – one He hopes to revive his offensive production.

Kepler, 32, admitted last month that he felt the nerves enters the Phillies’ Clubhouse in Baulpark in Florida. But after working closely with Phillies, a long hitting Kevin Coach, he starts setting up in both the field and out.

Kepler displayed his refined momentum during the Gripfrut League opener against Detroit Tigers on Saturday. It was a big time, shipped a single in the field in the third inning, which two rides brought in 7-6 loss. He was later walked and scored a fifference.

“It was good,” Kepler said. “With more repetition, the ball will become higher. Only the quality sticks have the key to the whole advance.”

Max Kepler hopes to contribute to his new team Phillies

Its adjustments came after a long time in Arizona, where the time coach recommended three key changes: more in his legs more for better balance, approaching the plate to manually shifted with a stick, and better to switch to bat. holding it right up.

“It’s a more direct way to zone,” Kepler explained. “If your bat is right, you need to mess up and get out of it below that. Now it’s just more levels to get into the bat zone.”

Kepler has historically done his “bread and dandelion” I pull the ball, and Phillies hope that these changes will allow him to rediscover his power.

Last season, Kepler Hit .253 with eight Homerov and 42 Rbis, ends with .682 Ops Before the left knee injury ended the season in September. Later in October undergoes basic surgery in October. Now, completely healthy, Kepler believes that he can return to his form 2019-23, where he published .770 ops and 110 ops +.

“He hit the ball hard,” Kepler noticed about his early spring trainings. “With adjustment, I have more time and lots of space to play with a bat head. It makes sense.”

Behind its changes in the field, Kepler also adapts to a new club environment for the first time since the signing of twins in 2009. years as an amateur free agent from Germany.

“Try to ask the right name in the right faces,” he said. “I like to go out of my comfort zone, challenge and get to know all the guys here. I haven’t encountered a bad apple – everyone is really open and welcome.”

While Phillies are preparing for the 2025 season. Year, they are at a new approach to Kepler and clean health to make it a key associate in everyday list. If his early results are any indicator, but on the right track.