PHILADELPHIA – Kevin Long knew he had something to work with.
The veteran hitting coach ventured to a training facility near his Scottsdale home in December to check out a free agent hitter that had his attention. The Phillies’ decision makers were scheduled to meet that night over Zoom to discuss, among other things, who will be playing left field for the club in 2025.
He had some thoughts about Max Kepler, but wanted an in-person look at his work in the batting cages. Long, who stands at 5’8”, was impressed by the 6’4” physical specimen.
“I was like, ‘Dang, this guy is Brandon Marsh times three,’” Long said.