50 Facts About Max Kepler

Early Life and Family

Max Kepler's journey to MLB stardom began in Berlin, Germany. His unique background and early experiences shaped his path to professional baseball.

1. Max Kepler was born on February 10, 1993, in Berlin, Germany.
2. His parents, Kathy Kepler and Marek Różycki, were professional ballet dancers.
3. Kathy is from San Antonio, Texas, while Marek hails from Poland.
4. Kepler has a sister named Emma Różycki, who was once a talented golfer.

Baseball Beginnings

Kepler's love for baseball started at a young age, and his early dedication set the stage for his future success.

5. Kepler began playing baseball at age six in Little League at the John F. Kennedy School in Berlin.
6. At seven, he received a scholarship to the Steffi Graf Tennis Foundation but chose baseball over tennis.
7. In 2009, he signed with the Minnesota Twins as an international free agent, receiving an $800,000 signing bonus—the highest ever for a European-born player in MLB at that time.

Early Career

Kepler's early professional years were marked by steady progress and significant milestones.

8. He started his professional career in 2010 with the GCL Twins in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League.
9. In 2015, he was chosen to represent the Twins at the All-Star Futures Game but couldn't play due to a shoulder injury.
10. Kepler made his MLB debut on September 27, 2015, for the Minnesota Twins.
11. He got his first hit just a few days later on October 4, 2015.

Breakout and Achievements

Kepler's breakout season and subsequent achievements solidified his place in MLB history.

12. In his first full season in 2016, Kepler hit three home runs in a single game against the Cleveland Indians on August 1.
13. This made him the first European-born player in MLB history to achieve this feat.
14. On February 14, 2019, the Twins signed Kepler to a five-year, $35 million contract, including a team option for the 2024 season.
15. The 2019 season marked Kepler’s breakout year, hitting a career-high 36 home runs.
16. He broke the single-season Major League record for home runs by a European-born player.
17. Kepler finished 20th in the American League MVP voting in 2019.

Defensive Skills and Records

Kepler is not only known for his batting but also for his exceptional defensive skills.

18. He has posted the fourth-highest fielding percentage of all right fielders in MLB history.
19. Kepler has hit the most home runs at Target Field with 84.
20. He is responsible for hitting the stadium's 600th, 700th, and 1000th home runs.

Clutch Performances

Kepler has a knack for delivering in high-pressure situations, earning him a reputation as a clutch player.

21. He hit a walk-off single against the Boston Red Sox on June 18, 2019, in the longest game in Target Field history.
22. Kepler has delivered several game-winning hits and crucial defensive plays throughout his career.

Physical Stats and Personal Life

Kepler's physical attributes and personal life details add another layer to his fascinating story.

23. Kepler stands at 6’4” tall and weighs 225 pounds.
24. He bats and throws left-handed.
25. His hair and eyes are both brown.
26. As of 2024, Kepler has a batting average of .237, with 161 home runs and 508 RBIs.
27. His current net worth is approximately $20 million.
28. Kepler believes in Christianity and is of American White Ethnicity.
29. He attended John F. Kennedy School and later trained at St. Emmeram Academy in Regensburg in 2008.
30. Besides baseball, Kepler played soccer with Hertha BSC, a top-tier soccer club in Germany.

Career Milestones

Kepler's career is filled with significant milestones that highlight his growth and achievements.

31. In 2017, he played in 147 games, hitting 19 home runs and driving in 69 runs.
32. In 2018, he hit a walk-off home run against the Houston Astros.
33. In 2020, he had a tough season with a .228 batting average, nine home runs, and 23 RBIs.
34. In 2021, he batted a career low .211 with 19 home runs and 54 RBIs.
35. In 2022, he battled a second-half toe injury, finishing with a .227 batting average and nine home runs.
36. In 2023, he bounced back with a .260 batting average and 24 home runs, leading the Twins to their third American League Central title in five seasons.
37. In 2024, he broke the Target Field home run record and delivered multiple walk-off singles, including one against the Philadelphia Phillies on July 24.

Injuries and Recovery

Kepler's career has seen its share of injuries, but his resilience has always brought him back stronger.

38. He faced a shoulder injury in 2015 that kept him from playing in the All-Star Futures Game.
39. In 2022, a toe injury hampered his performance in the second half of the season.
40. In 2024, he was placed on the injured list with left patellar tendinitis and transferred to the 60-day injured list on September 27, ending his season.

Relationships and Personal Connections

Kepler's personal life, including his relationships, adds depth to his public persona.

41. Kepler has been in relationships with soccer players Abby Dahlkemper and Katie Johnson.
42. He does not have any children.

Career Statistics

Kepler's career statistics reflect his consistent performance and contributions to the game.

43. He has played over 1,000 games across ten seasons with the Twins.
44. Kepler has 893 hits, including several game-winning singles.
45. He has hit 161 home runs, including a record-breaking 36 in the 2019 season.
46. Kepler has driven in 508 RBIs.
47. He boasts the fourth-highest fielding percentage among right fielders in MLB history at 99.21%.

Impact on the Twins and Beyond

Kepler's influence extends beyond his on-field performance, impacting the Twins and the broader baseball community.

48. Kepler has left an indelible mark on the Minnesota Twins franchise.
49. As a German-American player, he has been an ambassador for baseball in Europe.
50. Despite his current status as a free agent, Kepler remains a highly respected player in the MLB.

Max Kepler: A Baseball Journey

Max Kepler's journey from Berlin to the MLB is nothing short of inspiring. With a background in both baseball and soccer, he chose to pursue his passion for baseball, signing with the Minnesota Twins in 2009. Kepler's career highlights include setting records for European-born players, showcasing his defensive prowess, and delivering clutch performances. His breakout season in 2019, where he hit 36 home runs, solidified his place in MLB history.

Despite facing injuries, Kepler's resilience and dedication have kept him at the top of his game. His influence extends beyond the field, promoting baseball in Europe and engaging with fans through community activities. As of 2024, Kepler remains a free agent, with a potential deal pending with the Philadelphia Phillies. His legacy as a key player for the Twins and an ambassador for baseball continues to grow, inspiring future generations.