RADIO
Max Kepler Will Look To Improve Against Left-Handed Pitching
7 years agoMinnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler was a popular late-round sleeper in 2017 but he unfortunately failed to break out the way many expected him to last season. Instead of improving, the left-hander posted statistics that were very similar to the numbers that he logged in his 2016 rookie season. After batting .235 with 17 homers, 52 runs, 63 RBI, and six steals in 447 plate appearances in 2016, Kepler went on to hit .243 with 19 homers, 67 runs, 69 RBI and six steals in 568 plate appearances in 2017. Kepler's main issue has been his inability to hit against left-handed pitching which cut into his playing time and lowered his overall numbers this past season. The 24-year-old has managed just a .176 career batting average in 271 plate appearances against southpaws. He still has plenty to room to grow as a hitter as he has good speed and the ability to hit for power but he will have to improve against left-handed pitching to fully capitalize on his potential. He's still worth taking a shot on in the later rounds of fantasy drafts this season in case it all comes together for him this year.
