Max Kepler suspended for 80 games after positive drug test

Major League Baseball announced that free agent outfielder Max Kepler has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for epitrenbolone, a metabolite of trenbolone; the suspension takes effect immediately and would apply if he signs with a team during the 2026 season.

Major League Baseball announced that free agent outfielder Max Kepler has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for a banned substance. The league said the positive test was for epitrenbolone, a metabolite of the steroid trenbolone. Kepler is an 11-year major league veteran who spent most of his career with the Minnesota Twins and played last season with the Philadelphia Phillies. The suspension takes effect immediately and would apply if he signs with a team during the 2026 season. The league did not provide further details or say whether Kepler will appeal. Known details: - MLB announced an 80-game suspension following a positive test for epitrenbolone. - Kepler was a free agent at the time of the announcement; the ban would apply if he signs during the 2026 season. - An 80-game penalty is the standard sanction for a first offense under MLB's joint drug policy; suspended players are ineligible for games and do not receive pay during the suspension. - The league did not provide additional information about the circumstances of the test or whether an appeal will be filed. Summary: The suspension sidelines Kepler for the first 80 games of any 2026 season in which he participates and affects his immediate availability and pay. Undetermined at this time.