The San Francisco Giants have agreed to a two-year contract with free-agent center fielder Harrison Bader, valued at $20.5 million with incentives that could push it slightly higher, according to multiple reports.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal was first to report the news: “free-agent outfielder Harrison Bader in agreement with Giants on two-year contract, pending physical, source tells @TheAthletic”
Originally drafted in the third round by St. Louis in 2015, Bader spent his early career with the Cardinals before being traded to the New York Yankees in 2022. Subsequent stops included the Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, Twins, and Phillies. Over his career, he owns a .247/.313/.401 slash line while providing consistent defensive excellence.
Bader, 31, is coming off one of the most productive offensive seasons of his nine-year career, splitting time between the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies in 2025. Across 146 games, he hit .277/.347/.449 with 17 home runs, 54 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases, posting a career-best .796 OPS. His performance against right-handed pitching also improved dramatically, helping erase concerns that he could only thrive in platoon situations.
While his bat adds value, Bader’s elite defense was the primary draw for San Francisco. A Gold Glove winner in 2021 with the St. Louis Cardinals, he continues to earn high marks for range and instincts in center field. Last season, he ranked among the top outfielders in defensive metrics, providing a significant upgrade for a Giants team whose outfield ranked near the bottom of Major League Baseball in defensive efficiency.
Bader is expected to step in as the everyday center fielder, a move that could allow Jung Hoo Lee to shift to right field, where his strong throwing arm is better utilized. He joins an outfield group that also includes Heliot Ramos and Drew Gilbert.
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