Max Kelper has been suspended for the forthcoming 80 games after he tested positive in a substance screening test. Amid the new setback, here's everything we know about his personal life.
Max Kelper is once again in the news, but this time it is not for another home run he scored or another highlight-reel catch. The German-American outfielder who charmed baseball fans for more than a decade in Major League Baseball is now facing an 80-game suspension after he failed to clear a league-mandated substance screening. While the news about his ban has now spread across the internet, fans have quickly turned to another question: Is Max Kelper married? Here's what we know about it.
Until early 2026, Max Kepler was not publicly known to be married. The 32-year-old free agent has always kept his personal life away from the media and rarely shares details about his relationships. Consequently, no credible news source confirmed his marriage. However, he was previously alleged to be in a long-term relationship with a high-school sweetheart from Germany. But there is no confirmation about the news. According to past interviews with European sports media, Max often credited his family as a significant support during his rise from youth baseball in Berlin to Major League Stardom in the United States.
During his initial years with the Minnesota Twins, there was frequent mention of her in gossip circles. However, there has been no recent public confirmation of this. As per multiple sources in MLB, Max prefers to keep his relationship private. However, recently in 2023, Max was linked to a partner based in Paris. According to offseason reports from German Sports publications, the outfielder reportedly spent part of the 2023 offseason in France with her. But he never shared any names or photos to confirm his marriage or engagement.
Max Kelper was born and raised in Berlin, Germany, hailing from a unique athletic and artistic family. His father, Marek Rozycki, is a Polish and former professional ballet dancer with the Berlin Ballet Company. On the other hand, his mother, Kathy Kepler, is American and also performed as a professional dancer with the same company. The two met through ballet before starting their family. He even has a younger sister, Emma, and shared how he prefers to be close to his family despite living and playing in the United States. According to the Minnesota Twins' media, his parents used to frequently attend his games.
Max began playing baseball as a kid in Berlin and later signed with the Minnesota Twins in 2009. After working hard and delivering consistent performance through the minor leagues, he made his MLB debut on September 27, 2015. Later, Max spent ten seasons with them before he switched to the Philadelphia Phillies for one with a USD 10 million deal for the 2025 season (MLB contract record).
On Friday, January 9, 2025, the MLB confirmed that Max received a 80-game suspension after testing positive for Epitrenbolone, a prohibited performance-enhancing substance. Later, in a statement shared by the league, MLB said that Max Kepler accepted the penalty under the Joint Prevention and Treatment Program without filing a grievance. Since Max Kepler is a free agent, league officials have confirmed that if he signs with a team for the 2026 season, he will be ineligible for postseason play due to the suspension.
What do you think about Max Kelper's suspension?
Next Read: Who Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Wife Hailey Summers? Ex-Soccer Star, Among NBA's Most Stunning WAGs