It was earlier this offseason that the New York Mets added a two-time New York Yankees All-Star in Luis Severino to the mix during MLB free agency.
For the Mets, signing Severino was all about seeing if he can overcome recent struggles on a prove-it deal. That has been the case for the most part as it relates to Steve Cohen’s team during the winter.
We can add another figure to that conversation. According to Andy Martino of SNY, the Mets have signed former Yankees outfielder Harrison Bader. The deal is said to be worth roughly $10 million for one year.
A former Gold Glove winner during his time with the St. Louis Cardinals, Bader played parts of the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Bronx Bombers. It did not pan out in New York for the veteran prior to him being shipped off to the Cincinnati Reds ahead of the in-season MLB trade deadline.
- Harrison Bader stats (w/ Yankees): .237 average, 7 HR, 46, RBI, .627 OPS
Bader, 29, then hit a mere .161 in 34 at-bats with the Reds after being acquired from New York.
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What the New York Mets are getting in Harrison Bader
A defensive-minded veteran who has fielded center at an elite clip since he entered MLB back in 2017. Though, offense continues to be a major issue for Bader. He’s a career .243 hitter with a .706 OPS.
Bader’s best season at the plate came back in 2021 with St. Louis when he hit .267 with 16 homers and 50 RBI. He does add some flare on the bases with 20 stolen bases a season ago.
Brandon Nimmo (.274 average, 24 HR, 68 RBI last season) will still be the Mets’ every day centerfielder. They also acquired Tyrone Taylor from the Milwaukee Brewers in a trade earlier this winter. Starling Marte and former top prospect Ronny Mauricio are also going to be in the equation.
In reality, this was a depth move for the Mets.