Sonny Gray
Phillies Off to Strong Start, Max Kepler Poised for Breakout Year
The Philadelphia Phillies have hit the ground running in 2025, eager to prove once again that they belong among the National League’s elite. After a disappointing postseason exit last year, the team entered this season with high expectations and a clear goal: to take the next step toward a championship.
Despite speculation that the Phillies might shake up their core during the offseason, the front office opted for stability, keeping the team largely intact while making key additions to strengthen critical areas. That decision appears to be paying off early.
Bolstering the Pitching Staff
One of Philadelphia’s top priorities heading into the offseason was improving its pitching depth. To that end, the Phillies made two notable acquisitions.
They added veteran closer Jordan Romano, a former All-Star, to solidify the bullpen. If he can return to peak form, Romano has the potential to be a dominant late-inning weapon. Additionally, the signing of left-hander Jesus Luzardo added another high-quality arm to an already formidable starting rotation. With Luzardo in the mix, the Phillies boast one of the strongest rotations in all of baseball.
A Key Addition to the Outfield
Beyond pitching, Philadelphia also addressed its outfield—an area that struggled in last season’s playoffs. The Phillies signed veteran outfielder Max Kepler to a one-year, $10 million deal, hoping he can provide a much-needed offensive spark.
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report recently predicted a massive season for Kepler, suggesting he could reach the 30-home run mark in 2025.
“He now moves to Citizens Bank Park, which was the fifth-best home run park a year ago, and a 30-homer season would make him one of the steals of the winter,” Reuter wrote.
The move to hitter-friendly Citizens Bank Park could work wonders for Kepler’s power numbers. While he endured a down year in 2024, he posted a strong .260/.332/.484 slash line with 24 home runs and 66 RBIs in 2023. If he can replicate or improve upon those numbers, he’ll be a major asset for the Phillies’ lineup.
Can Kepler Stay Healthy?
The biggest concern surrounding Kepler isn’t his talent—it’s his durability. The 32-year-old hasn’t played more than 130 games in a season since 2019, which raises questions about his ability to contribute over a full campaign.
If Kepler can stay on the field for at least 140 games, a 30-home run season is well within reach. The Phillies are banking on him to be a consistent power threat and provide a steady presence in the outfield.
With a strong start to the season and key additions like Kepler, Romano, and Luzardo, Philadelphia is positioning itself as a legitimate contender once again. If everything falls into place, the Phillies could be primed for a deep playoff run in 2025.
