Phillies' Max Kepler Discusses Confidence in Swing After Game Winning Home Run
Phillies' Max Kepler Discusses Confidence in Swing After Game Winning Home Run originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
After a very quiet month of May, Phillies' left fielder Max Kepler is slowly starting to heat up at the plate.
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Kepler has notched an extra base hit in four straight games, including a go-ahead solo shot in the bottom of the 8th inning on Saturday. That home run would be the difference as the Phillies beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 to secure a winning homestand.
After Philly's fourth win in five games, Kepler spoke with NBC Sports Philadelphia about his approach at the plate.
"I've been trying to believe more in my swing," Kepler said. "There are moments where doubt starts to creep in, but I just tell myself I got a good swing."
Max Kepler is now up to eight home runs in 2025, matching his season total from last year. It's on pace to land somewhere in the middle of his career totals.Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Kepler was brought in to shore up a spot in left field that was wildly inconsistent throughout 2024. His arrival hasn't changed much yet.
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Despite playing very well defensively, his bat has left plenty to desire, with a .214 average and power numbers well below his best years with the Minnesota Twins. He's particularly struggled against left-handed pitching, albeit in far fewer at bats.
Yet Kepler is trying to put all that aside and stay in the moment.
"I don't really try to think about the numbers, to be honest," Kepler said. "I just try to go in there and have quality at bats... I've been working with (hitting coach Kevin Long) in the cage and he's been building me up mentally, and I'm getting my confidence up."
In a year where Philly's slugging offense is surprisingly tame - aside from another monster campaign by Kyle Schwarber - they'll certainly appreciate any extra juice Max can squeeze out of his bat.
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Related: Phillies' Ranger Suárez Reveals Reason for Recent Success
Related: Phillies Fans Overwhelmingly Pick Bullpen as Position to Prioritize at Trade Deadline
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
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