Mets sign Gold Glove OF Harrison Bader to one-year deal
The Mets have officially signed Gold Glove outfielder Harrison Bader to a one-year deal worth $10.5 million, as first reported by SNY's Andy Martino.
Bader, 29, split last season between the Yankees and Reds and he recorded a career-high 20 stolen bases.
He struggled offensively, hitting just .232/.274/.348, but has shown he can be a plus at the plate during his career, posting a .784 OPS across the 2020 and 2021 seasons with the Cardinals.
Still, the Bronxville native is known more for his elite center field defense and speed than his bat, and that's exactly what Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns is looking for him to bring to this squad.
"We’re very happy to add Harrison to our team. He has continually distinguished himself as one of the best defenders in baseball and can help us win games in a variety of different ways," Stearns said in a press release.
Bader has indeed been one of the best outfielders in the game, as his 66 Outs Above Average since 2018 ranks ahead of elite defenders like Kevin Kiermaier, Manuel Margot, Michael A. Taylor, and Trent Grisham (h/t to Mike Petriello).
He was one of the best centerfielders in baseball last season, per Baseball Savant, as both his range and arm strength ranked above the 90th percentile and he was worth nine OAA.
His sprint speed for last season also finished in the 85th percentile.
With Bader on board, it is fair to believe he will become the regular center fielder, which would shift Brandon Nimmo to left field and keep Starling Marte -- health-dependent -- in right.
Nimmo has become a strong center field defender in his own right, but Bader is simply in another class defensively.
With Bader on board and the outfield seemingly full, the Mets can now turn to their other pressing needs, including another starting pitcher, late-inning relief help, and possibly a designated hitter.
This move also fills their 40-man roster, so they'll now have to make another move if/when they make an addition via free agency or trade.
