The San Francisco Giants have bolstered their outfield by landing free agent Harrison Bader on a two-year deal, according to multiple media reports.
The contract is worth $20.5 million, plus incentives.
Bader signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Twins last offseason and produced a .277/.347/.449 slash line with 17 home runs, 61 runs scored and 54 RBI in 146 games − all career highs.
He was especially productive down the stretch after being acquired by the Philadelphia Phillies at the trade deadline. In 50 games with the Phils, Bader hit .305/.361/.463, in addition to playing stellar outfield defense.
Bader, 31, was a third-round draft choice by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2015. He made his MLB debut with the Cards in 2017 and played parts of six seasons, winning a Gold Glove with them in 2021 before being traded to the New York Yankees the following season.
He’s also spent time with the Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets during his nine seasons in the majors.
A .247/.313/.401 career hitter, Bader has been even more valuable on defense. Since he debuted in 2017, no other outfielder can top Bader’s 77 Outs Above Average, according to Statcast.
He likely will take over as the Giants’ everyday center fielder, with Jung Hoo Lee moving from center to right field and Heliot Ramos as the likely starter in left.