Max Kepler’s Phillies power resurgence and confidence are becoming evident as he begins to break out of a quiet May. On Saturday, Kepler delivered a critical late-game home run that helped the Philadelphia Phillies secure a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, marking an important moment in his offensive recovery.
Kepler’s Momentum Builds with Key Extra-Base Hits
Kepler has recorded an extra-base hit in four consecutive games, culminating in a go-ahead solo home run in the bottom of the eighth inning on Saturday. This pivotal hit not only gave the Phillies the lead but also capped a strong homestand with their fourth win in five games. His timely power boost comes after a slow start, signaling that his confidence at the plate is returning.
“I’ve been trying to believe more in my swing,”
Kepler shared.
“There are moments where doubt starts to creep in, but I just tell myself I got a good swing.”
—Max Kepler, Phillies left fielder
With eight home runs in the 2025 season so far, Kepler has already matched his total from last year and is on track to hit around the middle range of his career home run numbers. His improvement is especially significant given that he was acquired to strengthen the Phillies’ left field following a difficult 2024 campaign.
Challenges and Adjustments in Kepler’s Performance
Despite steady defensive work, Kepler struggled offensively during his first season with Philadelphia, posting a .214 batting average and showing diminished power numbers compared to his time with the Minnesota Twins. He faced particular difficulty against left-handed pitchers, although his at-bats against them were limited.
Still, Kepler is focused on staying present and not letting the statistics weigh on him.
“I don’t really try to think about the numbers, to be honest,”
Kepler said.
“I just try to go in there and have quality at bats… I’ve been working with (hitting coach Kevin Long) in the cage and he’s been building me up mentally, and I’m getting my confidence up.”
—Max Kepler, Phillies left fielder
Kepler’s Contribution Amid Phillies’ Offensive Struggles
In a season where Philadelphia’s lineup has lacked the usual slugging firepower, except for standout performances from Kyle Schwarber, Kepler’s power resurgence is a timely development. His ability to produce runs could provide much-needed support as the Phillies look to maintain their competitive edge.
As the team advances through the season, Kepler’s steady improvement and growing confidence at the plate could play a crucial role in Philadelphia’s drive to capitalize on a promising homestand and build momentum moving forward.