Let’s dive into the latest news and rumors swirling around the league this Monday.
Giants sign Bader to a two-year contract
The San Francisco Giants have made a noteworthy acquisition by signing outfielder Harrison Bader to a two-year deal worth $20.5 million, with the potential to rise to $21 million through performance incentives, as reported by The Athletic and New York Post.
Bader, who is 31, demonstrated impressive versatility last season, playing 146 games split between the Minnesota Twins and the Philadelphia Phillies. He posted a solid batting line of .277/.347/.449, generating a 117 OPS+ along with 24 doubles, 17 home runs, 54 RBIs, 61 runs, and 11 stolen bases, contributing 3.9 WAR. His defensive skills as a center fielder are highly regarded, which will be advantageous for the Giants at their spacious Oracle Park.
Given the current composition of the Giants’ roster, Bader is expected to step in as the starting center fielder. This move will likely shift Jung Hoo Lee to right field, addressing the coverage issues that plagued the team last season with Lee’s range in center.
