MLB writer suggests Marlins sign ex-Phillies bust serving 80-game suspension originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Miami Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers began the season on the injured list after suffering a hamstring strain during spring training.

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Stowers had a breakout year at the plate in 2025, providing a non-powerful Marlins offense with 25 home runs. To weather the storm while he’s out, Miami signed Austin Slater, a veteran with pop against left-handed pitching.

However, there are still a few free agent outfielders the Marlins could consider if they want to have a better chance of making the postseason, FanSided’s Austin Owens wrote Tuesday.

One of the players Owens listed is currently serving an 80-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

Max Kepler would be a ‘great fit’ with the Marlins

“With the degree of these injuries and concerns that may be in place when they come back, the Marlins likely want to eye potential external options for the outfield if they want to remain competitive,” Owens wrote. “Without any additions, the Marlins would likely quickly fall where we expected them to be, at the bottom of the division standings.”

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To avoid a third consecutive postseason miss, Owens suggests the Marlins should target Max Kepler, who is serving his suspension after testing positive for PEDs when he was a member of the Philadelphia Phillies.

“The Marlins have a young core to build around, so it wouldn’t be the worst idea to sign a veteran outfielder with some upside that could also bring an experienced locker room presence to Miami,” Owens added. “Max Kepler, Jesse Winker, and Hunter Renfroe would all be great fits for Miami.”

Kepler, 32, hit .216/.300/.391 with 18 homers and 52 RBIs in 127 games in 2025. As a part of his suspension, he is ineligible for this year’s postseason. Whether the Marlins’ front office would be willing to give Kepler a second chance in professional baseball is unclear.

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