Watch: New Phillies OF Max Kepler Crushes 1st Homer with Philadelphia

It was a Spring Training first for Max Kepler in a Phillies uniform.

In Tuesday’s Grapefruit League matchup against the New York Yankees, new Phillies outfielder Max Kepler did something Phillies fans hope to see a lot of in 2025.

Kepler crushed a down and in, 0-0 offering from Yankees pitcher Will Warren way out past the wall in right field for his first home run in a Phillies uniform. It was a solo shot, scoring to make the score 3-1 New York.

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It was Kepler’s first homer this spring and just his third hit in the Grapefruit League, entering Tuesday hitting just .200 in four spring games.

Per Phillies insider Todd Zolecki of Phillies.com, who was covering the game, Kepler's home run came off the bat with tremendous velocity.

The Phillies signed Kepler to a reported one-year, $10 million contract this offseason. The Phillies are hoping he can be a key bat in the bottom of the order this season.

The 31-year-old left-handed swinger slshed .253/.302/.380 with eight long balls and 42 RBI last year in Minnesota. He also hit a career-high 36 homers in 134 games in 2019 and had 23 home runs in 2023.

Injuries have always been an issue during Kepler's big league career, but if he can stay healthy, the Phillies plan to use him as their primary left fielder in 2025.

Kepler was about the only bright spot for the Phillies, with ace Zack Wheeler getting the start on the mound, tossing two innings, giving up eight hits, and five runs

He wasn’t the only notable Phillies pitcher to throw on Tuesday. Oakcrest High alum Cody Stashak, who signed a minor league deal back in October, tossed one inning, giving up two hits. He is considered a longshot to make the Phillies' big league roster.