The MLB free agency outfield carousel has finally slowed down, but could a familiar face unexpectedly rejoin the Philadelphia Phillies?
With the major moves for Kyle Tucker (to the Dodgers), Cody Bellinger (back with the Yankees), and Luis Robert Jr. (traded to the Mets) now complete, the rest of the free agent market, particularly for outfielders, can finally get moving. Even though Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski has publicly stated his contentment with the current outfield and overall roster – a stance he maintained even after missing out on Bo Bichette – the allure of a bargain opportunity shouldn't be ignored.
It's worth remembering that Dombrowski was reportedly prepared to invest a significant sum, close to $30 million annually, for Bichette. After the Mets secured the star infielder, the Phillies quickly pivoted, re-signing J.T. Realmuto to a three-year deal averaging $15 million per season. This means the Phillies still have that substantial $15 million budget available for this year, and they remain committed to finding a new home for Nick Castellanos in right field.
While the Phillies have brought in Adolis García to cover right field for now, their current plan involves giving top outfield prospect Justin Crawford a chance to prove himself in center field. The left field spot is slated for a platoon situation between Brandon Marsh and Otto Kemp.
But here's where it gets interesting... What if Harrison Bader, a player who significantly energized the Phillies' offense last season after his mid-season trade from the Twins, remains on the market? Could that $15 million the Phillies were ready to spend on Bichette be redirected to bring back Bader, especially if he doesn't secure the lucrative deal he's seeking in free agency?
MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand noted that Bader is one of the remaining significant free-agent dominoes. While Feinsand pointed to the Mets, Diamondbacks, and Cardinals as logical landing spots for Bader, he also acknowledged that a reunion with the Phillies, though a "long shot," "can't be ruled out."
And this is the part most people miss... It makes a lot of sense from a financial and strategic standpoint. The Phillies have the financial flexibility, Bader has been available for a while, and his asking price might be more manageable now. Furthermore, the 32-year-old Bader might prefer joining a proven contender like the Phillies over returning to a rebuilding Cardinals team, where he began his career and which hasn't seen the postseason in three consecutive years.
There's no guarantee that Justin Crawford, despite his impressive performance in Triple-A last season, will immediately adapt to the demands of center field in the majors. His power numbers, with only 7 home runs in 506 at-bats last year, also aren't particularly striking.
Re-signing Bader, even on a one-year deal, would provide a much-needed right-handed bat to the Phillies' lineup. It would also offer Crawford the opportunity to compete for the left field job during spring training, rather than being thrust directly into a starting role.
While it might seem like a long shot, it could be a worthwhile gamble if the price is right. What do you think? Should the Phillies consider bringing Harrison Bader back into the fold, or is it time to fully commit to developing their young talent? Let us know in the comments below!
