The Philadelphia Phillies have behaved like a team looking for change throughout the offseason, content — for now — with making minor changes to the edges of their roster. They followed that path again in the outfield on Thursday, agreeing to a one-year, $10 million contract with Max Kepler, a left-hander who turns 32 in February and hasn’t reached 500 plate appearances in a season since 2019.

According to major league sources, the deal is still pending. MLB.com and ESPN first reported details of the agreement.

On the surface, it’s a puzzling move by the Phillies. Kepler never pitched a single inning in left field in the majors. He hasn’t been durable or productive enough in recent seasons to merit an everyday role. But in paying $10 million, the Phillies have indicated they expect Kepler to become more than just a part-time player.

Kepler batted .253/.302/.380 last season with the Minnesota Twins, the organization that signed him as a teenager from Germany. According to OPS+ (91), it was the worst season of Kepler’s career. He is considered an above-average defender, although he is now suited to the corner outfield spots.

He has hit righties better than lefties throughout his career, which doesn’t make him a potential platoon partner for Brandon Marsh. According to major league sources, the Phillies had shown interest in Teoscar Hernández, considered the top remaining free-agent outfielder. They chose Kepler at a much cheaper price.

The Phillies did not offer Austin Hays a contract earlier this offseason, even though he would have made around $7 million through salary arbitration. They believe they have upgraded that spot on the roster with Kepler, but he will come to Philadelphia with a lot to prove.

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