The Twins are reportedly adding outfielder Harrison Bader, a veteran outfielder that fills a large hole on Minnesota’s roster before Spring Training. Bader, a plus defender in the outfielder, comes over to the Twins after spending 2024 with the New York Mets.
A Look at Bader
After an up-and-down 2023 campaign between the Yankees and Reds, Harrison Bader went back home to New York, suiting up for the Mets.
Bader’s offensive numbers were mixed, as although he hit the most home runs (12) in a single season in three years, the 30-year-old slashed just .236/.284/.373 (.657 OPS). The new Twin also stole 17 bases for the Mets.
A primary center fielder, Bader excels against pitches up and in the middle of the zone. The 30-year-old has a relatively good eye at the plate, recognizing the pitch early enough to shorten up against fastballs. He hit .339 last season on pitchers middle-middle and .378 middle-up.
However, Bader doesn’t have a ton of pop; he’s a hit-over-power bat who doesn’t barrel it up too much and keeps his swing level and simple. The new Twin also habitually chases. Last season, his 33.6% Chase% wasn’t as high as it was in 2024 — the rate was 35.6% in 2023 — but still below the league-average.
Defensively, Bader is a plus-plus defender in center field, thanks to great instincts and speed. Bader’s +10 Outs Above Average last season ranked tied with Kyle Isbel (Royals) for 11th-best in the Majors among center fielders.
Another issue that’s popped up throughout Bader’s career is injuries. But, Bader didn’t have an IL stint last season. Bader played in 140 games but only started 108, thanks to the presence of Tyrone Taylor.
Per the New York Post, the Twins are signing Harrison Bader to a one-year deal.
Analysis
The Twins were relatively quiet for the vast majority of the offseason, up until this past week. Minnesota brought back reliever Danny Coulombe on the 4th after two seasons in Baltimore, and now add a defensive specialist in Bader.
Aside from a first baseman — which, isn’t exactly a necessity but a hole after Carlos Santana left — arguably the biggest need for the Twins this offseason was another outfielder, specifically a right-handed bat who could play center. Bader checks that box.
Minnesota’s had Michael A. Taylor and Manuel Margot regularly log time in center over the past two seasons, thanks to injury troubles sustained by outfielder Byron Buxton.
Buxton posted a .859 OPS and played 102 games last season, the most he’s logged since 2017. But, Buxton’s had problems staying on the field over the years, including in 2024, as he dealt with hip and knee problems.
Aside from Buxton, the only other regular outfielders on their roster — not counting utilityman Austin Martin — are left-handed bats Trevor Larnach and Matt Wallner. Both are corner outfielders.
Bader will likely see considerable time in the outfield this season. The good news is tha Bader has been a plus defensive outfielder throughout this career, meaning Minnesota won’t sacrifice anything when he sees time in center field.
For college baseball fans, make sure to check out coverage of the preseason coaches’ poll, released earlier this week.