The New York Mets are taking a flier on a former Gold Glove-winning outfielder who is looking for a big bounce-back season.
Free agent Harrison Bader is signing a one-year deal with the Mets, according to multiple reports. Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that Bader will earn $10.5 million in 2024.
Centerfielder Harrison Bader and the New York Mets are in agreement on a one-year, $10.5 million contract, a source tells ESPN. @martinonyc was on the news.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 4, 2024
When healthy, Bader is one of baseball’s best defensive outfielders, and he demonstrated during his time with the St. Louis Cardinals that he could provide a bit of pop on offense as well. He was traded to the New York Yankees in 2022, but injuries largely derailed his tenure there, and he was placed on waivers toward the end of the 2023 season. Overall, he was limited to 98 games, and hit .232 with the Yankees and Cincinnati Reds.
The Mets have brought in a few Yankee castoffs this offseason, with Bader being the latest. For that salary, one would expect him to be playing regularly in some form in 2024.
