Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
*PREDICTION*
There are a ton of talented players available in free agency across baseball, and we could see some real movement take place across the league. Even with the potential for an impending lockout down the line, we have already seen teams spend some money, and it is likely to continue throughout the offseason.
One of the more intriguing players available on the open market this year is veteran outfielder Harrison Bader, who spent time with both the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies. Bader proved that he could be a reliable outfielder for a team competing for a title, and his numbers with the Phillies were excellent following a mid-season trade.
Overall, the veteran hit .277 with 17 home runs and 54 runs batted in for the year. But things majorly turned up a notch in Philadelphia, which saw him slash .305/.361/.463, incredibly.
Playing alongside a loaded lineup like the Phillies has seemed to help Bader, and he could look to join another team similar to this. His numbers increased from 2024, when Bader hit 236/.284/.373 with 12 home runs and 51 runs batted in over 140 games played with the New York Mets.
Philadelphia would love to bring Bader back, but the team has multiple other players entering free agency, who they may need to prioritize. Bader has drawn interest from a few clubs this offseason, in part due to his overall versatility on defense, in addition to his bat.
Bader has shown a lot of range on defense, playing both left field and center over the years. Teams love players who can play multiple positions, as it allows managers more flexibility with lineup decisions.
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Houston Astros Bring in Harrison Bader
One team that could use the services of Bader moving forward is the Houston Astros, who are coming off a year in which they missed the playoffs entirely. Houston wants to make sure that it doesn’t miss the postseason action again, and signing a player like Bader could help things.
The Astros could use more pop in the lineup, and they need more consistency from the offensive attack next year. Bader could help with this, and since Houston has talent in the lineup already, the veteran could benefit from being “protected” in the rotation.
Bader could provide this team with some extra depth for the season, and due to his power, he could really help this offense get going. The veteran isn’t going to force the Astros to spend heavy money either, making him an interesting addition for the club.
But Bader could be the missing piece to this Houston attack, and he would likely work well with the other talented guys in the clubhouse. Houston has its sights set on going after another World Series title, and Bader could help push them forward in the loaded American League.
