Bader signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the Mets on Thursday, Andy Martino of SNY.tv reports.
Analysis: Bader has slashed just .241/.284/.352 over 657 plate appearances since the start of the 2022 campaign but remains one of the premier center field defenders in the game. The 29-year-old should see the bulk of the starts in center for the Mets, allowing Brandon Nimmo to shift to left field. Nimmo is expected to still play some center versus righties, which would likely mean DJ Stewart in left those days. Bader also provides some protection in the event Starling Marte gets hurt again, although Bader has been pretty brittle himself.
Harrison Bader Shut down for season
Bader (groin) will not return this season, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
Analysis: Bader hit the injured list with a groin strain Monday, and the injury is evidently serious enough that he won't play again this season even if the Reds make a playoff run. He recorded a .429 OPS in 14 games with Cincinnati after being claimed off waivers from the Yankees, meaning he'll head into free agency having hit just .232/.274/.348 in his walk year.
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