Fans may want to keep a close eye on Harrison Bader during the MLB Winter Meetings

Jared Bloom

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Fans may want to keep a close eye on Harrison Bader during the MLB Winter Meetings image

Harrison Bader started the 2025 season with the Minnesota Twins. He played in 96 games, hitting.258/.339/.439 with 12 home runs and 38 runs batted in. 

However, at the trade deadline, Bader would see himself being dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies. He would go on to play in 54 games, hitting.305/.361/.463 with five home runs and 16 runs batted in. 

In total, Bader was able to hit a career-high 17 home runs last season while driving in a career-high 54 runs batted in, setting himself up nicely as he now sits on the open market. 

Fans may want to keep a close eye on Harrison Bader during the MLB Winter Meetings

On top of Harrison Bader coming off a great season, the market for center fielders this offseason is not too big. Outside of Cody Bellinger, Bader remains the next best option for teams looking to bolster their outfield. 

ESPN's Buster Olney groups him with players who could come off the board soon, especially with his healthy market. 

"Harrison Bader set himself up well with a strong performance in Philadelphia."

The Phillies are a team to watch here as they would love to have him back. The New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles are also other teams that could have an interest in acquiring Bader. 

He would not cost teams a ton of money, either. ESPN's Kiley McDaniel projects him to sign a two-year, $25 million deal, despite a career year at the plate in 2025. 

The MLB Winter Meetings begin over the next few days, and fans will want to keep a close eye on the slugging outfielder. These meetings typically kick off the bulk of the offseason moves, and Bader could be off the open market early with a lack of other dependable free agent center fielders.

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Contributing Writer