Overview
- The Diamondbacks designated Max Kepler for assignment on Sunday, opening a 40-man roster spot and beginning the standard waiver window.
- Kepler hit about .209 with a roughly .565 OPS in 41 games for Arizona after signing in late June, and he lost playing time as his offense lagged.
- MLB suspended Kepler for 80 games earlier in 2026 for a positive drug test, a punishment that also makes him ineligible for postseason rosters this year.
- Arizona added outfield help at the trade deadline, including Lars Nootbaar, and recalled catcher/DH Adrian Del Castillo before moving Kepler off the roster.
- Kepler has more than 10 years of service time but declining production since 2020 lowers his trade and waiver value, and reports say he will likely be released or clear waivers within days.