The Phillies already added heat to the bullpen. Now they’ve added leather to the outfield — and a postseason-tested spark plug to the clubhouse.
Philadelphia on Thursday completed its second trade with the Minnesota Twins in less than 24 hours, acquiring outfielder Harrison Bader — a Gold Glove winner, elite defender, and right-handed bat with October credentials — in exchange for outfielder Hendry Mendez and right-hander Geremy Villoria.
Bader, 31, signed a one-year, $6.25 million deal with the Twins this past winter that includes a $10 million mutual option for 2026, which can increase based on playing-time thresholds. He’s hitting .258/.339/.439 with 12 home runs in 96 games — one of the more productive offensive stretches of his nine-year career — while continuing to be one of the best defensive outfielders in the game.
He won a Gold Glove playing center field for the Cardinals in 2021 but moved to left in Minnesota to accommodate Byron Buxton. Even after the position switch, Bader has thrived. His four outs above average in left field rank third in the Majors, and according to Sports Info Solutions, he has 13 defensive runs saved this season. To put that in perspective: the Phillies as a team have -28 defensive runs saved — 27th in baseball.
“He’s going to play a lot,” said Phillies president Dave Dombrowski. “The lineup is going to be Topper’s decision. We’re happy to get him. He’s played well this year both offensively and defensively. He’s hit the ball with some pop. We think he helps us. I don’t know if he’s going to play every single day or not. We’re just very happy to have him. We think he’s a good addition for us from both perspectives, offensively and defensively.”
Bader also brings playoff experience — and some loud October moments. He’s appeared in five postseason series with the Cardinals, Yankees, and Mets, posting a .809 OPS with five home runs in 20 games. He’s the type of player who impacts games even when he’s not at the plate — whether it’s taking an extra base, cutting off a double in the gap, or making a sliding catch in the ninth inning.
His arrival adds another wrinkle to an already crowded Phillies outfield that includes Brandon Marsh, Johan Rojas, Max Kepler, and rising rookie Otto Kemp. The playing time puzzle might be complicated — but it’s a good problem to have.
“We think he can play both,” Dombrowski said, referring to Bader’s ability to play center and left field. “We do like him in both situations. It will be very dependent on Topper and who he plays on a particular day. But we think he can play both very well. He’s actually had a really good year offensively and defensively. He’s running a little bit better than he has. We think he can play both for us.”
As for the return: Mendez, 21, was originally signed out of the Dominican Republic and was slashing .290/.374/.434 in 85 games at Double-A, playing primarily in left field. ESPN ranked him as the No. 8 prospect in the Phillies' farm system. Villoria, just 16, was pitching at the club’s academy in the Dominican Republic after signing earlier this year out of Venezuela.
So now the moves are done. First came Jhoan Duran to help close games. Now comes Bader to help prevent runs. A fireballer and a game-changer with a glove.
But is it enough?
Is this the roster that can outlast the Mets down the stretch? Is this the group that can navigate October without one more bullpen hiccup or defensive misstep?
The Phillies believe they’ve done enough.
We’re about to find out.
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