Injuries were a major part of the Minnesota Twins' second-half collapse last season. All-Star center fielder Byron Buxton, whose career has been plagued by numerous IL stints, missed the second half of August with a hip injury. With the Twins uncommitted to DaShawn Keirsey Jr.'s future with the team, outfielder Harrison Bader is an inexpensive and smart free agent signing the Twins should consider.
Twins fans might remember Bader for his days with the St. Louis Cardinals. The former Florida Gator posted 5.4 defensive WAR in six seasons with the Cardinals and won the 2021 NL Gold Glove in center field. Bader was also a solid bat, posting three seasons with an OPS+ over 100. Also, Bader is a right-handed outfield bat, one of the Twins' needs for the 2025 season.
Since he was traded to the Yankees for Jordan Montgomery in July 2022, Bader has made stops in Cincinnati and the New York Mets. Last season with the Mets, Bader batted .236/.284/.373 with an OPS+ of 86. It was a clear down season for the veteran outfielder as his production was below his career averages. Therefore, he's not expected to command a hefty salary.
While Kiersey Jr. is a Twins minor league fan favorite and certainly hit his way to promotion last season, the front office has not indicated his future. In December 2023, Kiersey Jr. was unprotected in the Rule 5 draft, which shows the uncertainty regarding his role going forward.
Given the upcoming ownership changes, the Twins are not going to splurge on coveted free agents this year, despite what the fans hope. However, Bader signed last season for $10.5 million with the Mets, and given his below-average season, it will not cost that much in 2025.
Signing Bader would add major league outfield depth behind Byron Buxton, Matt Wallner, and Trevor Larnach as the Twins decide Kiersey Jr.'s future with them. Buxton's injury history must be considered when adding an outfielder next season.
It's been a quiet offseason, outside of the Jovani Moran trade on Christmas Eve, but signing Bader at least gives the Twins something.