The Los Angeles Angels are coming off a weird season. They went 72-90 in 2025, following just going 66-99 in 2024. It would appear as if though the Angels are far off from contending, and should be looking to fully rebuild. Yet, they still have Mike Trout, and Taylor Ward, making it appear as if they still view themselves as a contending team instead.
If that is the case, and the Angels want to go all-in on trying to help Mike Trout in accomplishing the one thing that has alluded him in his career so far in a World Series, they need to make a strong effort in fixing the outfield.
One way they can do so is by signing Harrison Bader in 2026 MLB Free Agency.
*THIS IS A PREDICTION, NOT A REPORT*
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Los Angeles Angels Sign Harrison Bader in 2026 MLB Free Agency
Harrison Bader is coming off a strong 2025 MLB season where he enters MLB Free Agency now as one of the top centerfielder players teams could look to sign. Just last season, Bader was tied for seventh-best among qualified outfielders with 13 Defensive Runs Saved. With Bader further improving his defense, to go along with his offense, it makes him even more valuable for a team heading into 2026.
Between playing on the Minnesota Twins to start the season, and then finishing the season on the Philadelphia Phillies, he had a slash line of .277/.347/.449 with 17 home runs, and 54 RBIs. Bader, over his nine years in MLB, has a .247/.313/.401 slash line with 88 home runs and 332 RBIs. With Bader’s skills and experience, he is the ideal free agent target for Los Angeles.
Last season, with the Angels moving Mike Trout to playing more as a designated hitter to keep him healthier, it left Los Angeles to turn to Jo Adell, who struggled in the outfield, and then Bryce Teodosio, who struggled offensively. Coming off a season in which the Angels’ outfield defense was valued at -27 DRS, it is clear this needs to change for the Angels in 2026.
By signing Harrison Bader, he would help solidify the centerfield spot, and turn it into a strength on the defensive end. Pairing that impact with his offensive ability, Bader becomes a key free agent for the Angels to sign to get back on track towards being contenders.