The Philadelphia Phillies’ outfield was not great last season, and the team recognized that fact at the trade deadline. Harrison Bader was acquired and had a solid run with the team.
Bader declined his $10 million mutual option after the season, entering free agency. Nick Castellanos is reportedly expected to be traded or released this offseason. The Phillies will need outfield help, and a reunion with Bader could make sense. However, Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter predicted he would sign with the San Francisco Giants.
“Since Jung Hoo Lee (-18 DRS, -5 OAA) and Heliot Ramos (-6 DRS, -9 OAA) are two of the worst defensive outfielders in baseball, so adding a defensive standout like Harrison Bader in center field could help offset some of their shortcomings,” wrote Reuter.
Bader is a Gold Glove Award winner in center field and was actually solid offensively for the Phillies and Minnesota Twins last season. He slashed .277/.347/.449 in 146 games between the Twins and Phillies. He also hit a career-high 17 home runs. Bader is not at the top of the free agent market, so he could actually be a cheap addition for the Giants, who many experts expect to be major players in the starting pitcher market.
The Giants have star players like Lee, Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman and Willy Adames. Bader is a solid role player who could be an everyday outfielder for them.
More MLB: Mets, Edwin DÃaz Reach ‘Sticking Point’ in Negotiations: Report