Heading into the season, the Mets needed to bolster their outfield depth, a longstanding issue for the team. While having Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, and Starling Marte in the outfield is a solid setup, additional depth was necessary. The Mets addressed this need during the offseason, notably by acquiring Tyrone Taylor from Milwaukee and signing Harrison Bader to a one-year contract. Bader became […]
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Heading into the season, the Mets needed to bolster their outfield depth, a longstanding issue for the team. While having Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, and Starling Marte in the outfield is a solid setup, additional depth was necessary. The Mets addressed this need during the offseason, notably by acquiring Tyrone Taylor from Milwaukee and signing Harrison Bader to a one-year contract.
Bader became the Mets’ starting center fielder upon signing. Despite a slow start to the season, he has firmly secured his position in a crowded outfield. With a slash line of .280/.321/.654, Bader has picked up momentum and become an invaluable player for a team still searching for its identity. On Sunday afternoon, Bader’s strong performance continued as he recorded two hits and drove in two runs, aiding the Mets in salvaging a series in Miami. He also drove in two runs during the second game of the series.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Bader posted a .286/.352/.327 batting line over his last fifteen games, accumulating 14 hits and five RBIs. While not one of the marquee names on the team, he’s quietly been one of their best performers in 2024. Besides his offensive contributions, he has been outstanding defensively. His fielding run value this season stands at five, ranking him eleventh in the league. Bader also has a penchant for stealing bases, with six so far, adding another dimension to his game and a weapon the Mets can use on the bases.
Additionally, his arm strength measures around 91.7, with an arm value of one. Bader’s exceptional range in center field has allowed for an easier transition of Nimmo to left field, which helps preserve Nimmo’s longevity in the outfield.
Bader’s performance has been remarkable not just statistically but also in clutch situations, consistently delivering for the Mets in critical moments this season. On April 15, he drove in Jeff McNeil and D.J. Stewart late in the game, handing Aroldis Chapman the loss and giving the Mets the win.
Harrison Bader in the clutch & we’re all tied up!
pic.twitter.com/X6F7Ba3Rn0— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) May 17, 2024
In a game against the Phillies, Bader tied the score with a late single and advanced to second on a fielder’s choice. He also hit a game-tying single in extra innings against the Cardinals in late April, which paved the way for a Mets walk-off win. In a game against the Dodgers, he went 4-for-5 with an RBI and was instrumental in several rallies over the past few games.
As a seasoned player familiar with the New York baseball scene, Harrison Bader is significantly bolstering the Mets in an area that desperately needed it. His strong performance enhances the team’s outfield depth and offers valuable contributions with his bat, glove, and base running. Originally expected to be more of a depth option, Bader has maximized his opportunities, proving to be an essential asset for the Mets.
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