A Fitting Farewell for Max Kepler?
There’s a slim chance the Twins will be in the playoff race on Sunday. If they are eliminated, it’s only right for Minnesota to bid farewell to Max Kepler.
Earlier this week, the Twins announced that Kepler’s regular season is likely over due to a hip injury that has sidelined him since early September, despite receiving a cortisone shot last week. He faced live pitching but wasn’t deemed fit to contribute to the team’s playoff push.
“I could have chosen to focus on my health, but I thought a cortisone shot might help me push through,” Kepler said. “Honestly, I believe the current roster has a better chance than I do.”
Kepler has been with the Twins since signing at 16 in 2009 and was awarded a six-year, $44 million extension before the 2019 season. As he heads into free agency this winter, his contributions rank him among the team’s top 20 in several hitting categories, including home runs and games played.
Reflecting on his time, Kepler expressed gratitude for his 15 years with the Twins, despite wishing for a better exit.
As the Twins face a challenging series against Baltimore, their chances for the final AL Wild Card spot are slim. If they don’t make it, a send-off for Kepler at Target Field would be well-deserved. Activating him for one last at-bat would allow fans to show their appreciation for his impact on the franchise.
Kepler finishes with a 102 OPS+ and is recognized as one of the league’s top defensive right-fielders. His legacy in the organization could lead him to the Twins Hall of Fame, and fans deserve a chance to honor him as he likely departs next season.
What’s your favorite memory of Kepler? Will he get that final at-bat? Share your thoughts in the comment section!