Outfield options: Max Kepler

Max Kepler had more
walks than strikeouts
in 2015.

Max Kepler had a breakout season in 2015. The German was named player of the year in the Southern League with a slash line of .322/.416/.531 and ended the season with a seven at-bat cup of coffee in the majors.

And there is no obvious place for him in the Twins plans.

The Twins have Eddie Rosario in one outfield corner and appear intent on putting Miguel Sano in the other. Byron Buxton, a brighter prospect than Kepler (which is saying something) ought to be ahead of Kepler for center field. Joe Mauer and Byung Ho Park have first base and designated hitter occupied.

There is no immediate urgency to finding a place for Kepler. He turns 23 in February and hasn't played in Triple A yet; a month or three in Rochester might be a good thing for him.

But I fully expect that he'll be ready for the Show somewhere around the All-Star break. I am less certain that the Twins will be ready for him.