The Detroit Tigers went out brutally in the playoffs, losing in the ALDS in five games. Now, they have one last chance to make a championship run, as their two-time Cy Young Tarik Skubal is pretty much out the door next offseason.
One of the first things they can do is try to upgrade their offense. Fansided’s Christopher Kline believes that Detroit can do this by signing Gold Glove outfielder Harrison Bader, whose slugging bat would be a major upgrade over Parker Meadows.
“The Detroit Tigers need a bit of oomph in their lineup, and while Harrison Bader's production tends to fluctuate wildly year to year, he was sensational in 2025. He'd effectively replace Parker Meadows as the everyday center fielder, offering comparable value as a defender and a baserunner with substantially more upside as a hitter…But if the market collapses and the Tigers can get him on the cheap, it's a worthy swing. Bader, at the very least, plays with an ineffable spunk and self-confidence that can elevate the energy of a clubhouse and hopefully spark improvements on the field. Those are vague and abstract traits, but it was on full display in Philadelphia after the trade deadline,” Kline wrote.
This past season, Bader slashed.277/.347/.449/.796 with 24 doubles, 17 home runs, 54 RBI, and 11 stolen bases in 146 games played. His Gold Glove would play well in center, and he offers much more power than Meadows.
While a one-year deal is probably preferable to Detroit, Bader is projected to receive a two-year, $20 million deal. However, with how much of an upgrade Bader is from Meadows, it might be prudent to give him the deal.
Hopefully, the Tigers consider this, as this might be their last year in contention if their superstar ace Tarik Skubal leaves next season.
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