REPORT: Harrison Bader’s Twins contract details, revealed

featured-image

The Minnesota Twins officially announced on Friday that they have signed outfielder Harrison Bader for the upcoming 2025 season.

The deal is for a guaranteed $4 million and features a $750,000 signing bonus. The contract also includes a mutual $10 million option for 2026, with a buyout of up to $1.5 million — depending on the number of plate appearances Bader collects this year, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post.

For the Twins, this is only their second Major League signing of the 2024-2025 offseason.

Bader is entering his age-31 season, and the Twins are the fifth stop on his MLB journey that started with the St. Louis Cardinals back in 2017.

Bader spent nearly six seasons in St. Louis before stints with the New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds in 2022 and 2023. Bader spent his 2024 campaign with the New York Mets, who signed him for over $10 million back in January of that year.

A career .242 hitter, Bader slashed .236/.284/.373 in 143 games for the Mets last season. Not known much for his power, Bader slugged 12 home runs last year — his most in a season since he hit 16 back in 2021. Bader’s 57 runs scored and 51 RBIs in 2024 were both career highs.

Bader’s OPS+ of 86 for the 2024 campaign is considered below league-average, but it is Bader’s highest mark dating back to 2022.

Praised for his defense, Bader is a natural centerfielder, as he has logged every defensive inning there since 2018.

Bader posted a 2.45 RF/9 last year, slightly off his career-average of 2.62. Bader, a Gold Glove winner in 2021, will join a Twins defense that already has a strong centerfielder in Byron Buxton; nonetheless, Buxton has dealt with plenty of injuries in his career, and the Twins have made it clear they want a defensively-savvy fourth outfielder after losing both Max Kepler and Manuel Margot to free agency this offseason.

It’s worth noting that Minnesota does not have a surefire designated hitter, so it’s possible Buxton could DH some, allowing Bader more playing time in centerfield.

The Twins will kick off the 2025 regular season against Bader’s former team, the Cardinals, in St. Louis on March 27th.

Related Posts

Red Sox Expected To Actіvаte Lіаm Hendrіkѕ Tomorrow

The Red Sox will welcome Liam Hendriks back from the injured list this weekend. Read more at MLB Trade Rumors.

Red Sox’ Alex Corа explаіnѕ ѕіttіng Trіѕton Cаѕаѕ, Wіlyer Abreu аgаіnѕt lefty аgаіn

Triston Casas and Wilyer Abreu are both sitting against a lefty starter again Friday. Why? Alex Cora weighs in.

Phillies jump all over Alcantara as Wheeler dominates Marlins in opener

Read a recap of the Miami Marlins-Philadelphia Phillies game on April 18, 2025 at PhilliesNation.com.

Sandy Alcantara sends blunt message after brutal Phillies loss

Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara made his return to the mound this season after Tommy John surgery but he’s struggled a bit of late.

Edman hits leadoff HR filling in for Ohtani and Yamamoto strikes out 10 as Dodgers beat Texas 3-0

Expert recap and game analysis of the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Texas Rangers MLB game from 6 March 2025 on ESPN (UK).

Dodgers To Select Eddie Rosario, Place Shohei Ohtani On Paternity List

Eddie Rosario is with the Dodgers to cover for Shohei Ohtani, who is going on the paternity list. Read more at MLB Trade Rumors.