MLB suspends outfielder Max Kepler for 80 games after positive PED test

MLB announced an 80-game suspension for free-agent outfielder Max Kepler after a positive test for Epitrenbolone; the ban will begin if he signs a major-league contract and makes him ineligible for the 2026 postseason.

Major League Baseball announced an 80-game suspension for outfielder Max Kepler after a positive test for Epitrenbolone. Kepler is a 32-year-old free agent who played the 2025 season with the Philadelphia Phillies. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency describes Epitrenbolone as a metabolite of the anabolic steroid trenbolone. The league said the suspension will take effect under specified contract conditions. Key facts: - MLB announced an 80-game suspension for Max Kepler following a positive test for Epitrenbolone. - Kepler is currently a free agent and was a Philadelphia Phillies player in 2025. - The suspension clock will begin if he signs a major-league contract, and he is automatically ineligible for the 2026 postseason. Summary: The announced suspension prevents Kepler from being eligible for the 2026 postseason and would sideline him for 80 regular-season games once the ban starts. The precise timing of the suspension depends on whether he signs a major-league contract; other procedural details were not provided.