By Oliver Knaack
Berlin baseball professional Max Kepler (30) has earned $35.1 million so far in his professional career. Now ten million more are being added.
With the playoff exit of his Twins on October 11th against the Houston Astros, Kepler’s time in Minnesota also ended. His 5-year contract had expired. However, the club still had a unilateral option for another year – and the Twins have now withdrawn it.
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli is very happy with Max Kepler Photo: Knaack
The reason for this was the strong second half of the season for the Berliner, who has been under contract with the Twins since 2009. “The way the team played gave Kep a boost of energy,” said his coach Rocco Baldelli. “But Kep also revitalized the team,” praises Baldelli of the German.
Max Kepler was last in Berlin in 2021, training the youngsters for a day at the Berlin Sluggers, his former club. Photo: Anne Greiner
The first three months didn’t go well for the Twins right fielder: multiple injuries, no rhythm. His batting average was sometimes below 20 percent. Rumors of a possible early separation were already making the rounds in Minnesota. But since July he has played like a transformed man and ensured that the Twins reached the playoffs with relative safety with consistently good games.
The fact that his team now chose the 10 million option was no longer particularly surprising. Kepler’s long-time teammate Jorge Polanco (30) was also happy about an extension. Twins boss Derek Falvey: “They are both two very good players. We’ve known these guys longer than anyone else on the team. And we are proud of what they have both achieved.”
Exchange object Kepler?
But despite the option being pulled, Kepler doesn’t have to continue in Minnesota. Why? It’s simple: the club is well-staffed at his position, Minnesota doesn’t necessarily need him, but could use him as a trade item in a deal with another team.
Whether that happens will be seen in the off-season. Preparation for the season doesn’t begin until February. One thing is certain: Kepler will receive his ten million next season – either from the Twins or from another team that will then take over the contract. Not a bad situation for the Berliner…
2023-11-06 15:38:44
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