Mets sign former Yankees outfielder to 1-year deal

Mar 26, 2022; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; The New York Mets logo stands in center field before the game against the Washington Nationals at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets have added some outfield depth, and they looked to their intracity rival for the help.

The Mets on Thursday agreed to a 1-year deal with outfielder Harrison Bader. The deal is reportedly for $10.5 million.

Mets have agreed with Harrison Bader for one year at $10.5M

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) January 4, 2024

Bader began his career with the St. Louis Cardinals from 2017-2022. He was dealt to the Yankees in 2022 in the infamous Jordan Montgomery trade. Bader was injured at the time and only wound up playing 14 games for the Yankees that season. He played in 84 games with the Yankees last season before being waived. The Reds claimed him and he batted just .161 in 14 games for Cincinnati last season.

Bader is regarded as a top defensive center fielder. The addition of Bader doesn’t mean that Brandon Nimmo is done in center for the Mets, but he will likely move from the position the games that Bader is in the lineup.

Mets' Brandon Nimmo is not being moved permanently off center field. Bader will obviously play CF when he's in the lineup, which should be a good amount, but Carlos Mendoza simply has more options for alingment now.

— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) January 4, 2024

Bader is a career .243 hitter with a .706 OPS.