Max Kepler's one-year, $10 million deal with the Philadelphia Phillies this offseason came with the promise of being their everyday left fielder. Yet, he finds himself platooning this season, starting in just 60 of 81 games so far. Frustrated, Kepler claims he was misled, stating, "I signed here, being told I was going to be the everyday left fielder." However, his performance has been underwhelming; he’s batting just .209, marking the lowest average of his career, and struggling particularly against left-handed pitchers.

Reports suggest that while Kepler's comments reflect his discontent, they may also misrepresent the reality of his playing time. He has been in the lineup frequently, yet his offensive struggles against lefties raise concerns about his fit in the Phillies’ lineup. Kepler has called out the team publicly, leading to a potential rift with fans who expected more from him. The Phillies need a strong left fielder, and Kepler must work harder to live up to the role he desired.