The Philadelphia Phillies made a key trade on Thursday afternoon with hours to spare before the trade deadline. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Phillies are acquiring Harrison Bader from the Minnesota Twins.
Bader won a Gold Glove in 2021 with the St. Louis Cardinals and has bounced between the New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets and Twins prior to the Phillies trade.
The Phillies needed an outfield bat, and Bader provides them with what they were looking for. He gives them power from the right side of the plate, as well as elite defense and speed.
Matt Gelb of The Athletic recently revealed the return for Bader. The Phillies are sending two prospects to the Twins in exchange.
“Phillies are sending outfielder Hendry Mendez and righty Geremy Villoria to Twins for Harrison Bader, according to sources,” Gelb posted on X.
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Bader is hitting .258/.339/.439 with 12 home runs, 38 RBI, 10 stolen bases, a 2.8 WAR and a .778 OPS. He also has a 111 OPS+.
This may not be an earthshattering move, but it is one that should help the Phillies out as they try to catch the Mets in the National League East. They are just a half-game behind New York in the division.
The price clearly wasn’t too extreme for Bader. They gave up an outfield prospect and pitcher in exchange for the veteran, and they aren’t highly regarded prospects.
Still, it will be interesting to see how Bader fits into the Phillies plans. He should play every day in center field for a team fighting for a playoff spot.
He’ll also bring veteran leadership to the clubhouse.
More MLB: Harrison Bader traded from the Minnesota Twins to the Philadelphia Phillies
