Arizona Diamondbacks signed outfielder Max Kepler despite his ongoing 80-game suspension for a PED violation. The deal, disclosed Sunday, lacks disclosed financial terms, and Kepler cannot join the roster until the ban lifts on June 25. Until then he will sit on the restricted list, preserving the club’s 40-man limit. The move signals Arizona’s willingness to gamble on veteran power despite roster constraints.

Kepler tested positive in January for epitrenbolone, a Trenbolone metabolite found in bodybuilding supplements and cattle‑growth products. He became the first player suspended for that substance since MLB began publishing penalty details in 2005. The 33‑year‑old posted a .216 average with 18 homers and 52 RBIs for Philadelphia last season. He signed a $10 million contract. His former club, the Phillies, will absorb the loss without salary‑cap repercussions.

Kepler’s career includes a .235 average, 179 homers and 560 RBIs over 11 seasons, beginning with the Twins after signing at 16 in Germany. Injuries limited his 2024 output; left patellar tendinitis and a post‑season sports‑hernia repair slowed him down. Arizona hopes the power bat will bolster a struggling lineup significantly once he becomes eligible.