One could argue that Harrison Bader has been the Twins’ MVP this season, given the former Met’s standout defense, 115 OPS+ and team-leading 1.1 bWAR.

Twins outfielder Harrison Bader named American League Defensive Player of the Month by Sports Info Solutions

To further beef up his résumé, Bader was named the American League Defensive Player of the Month by Sports Info Solutions on Thursday after providing the Twins with 7 Total Runs Saved in April.

Bader, a former Gold Glover, displayed why he earned the honor in the Twins’ 4-3 loss to the Guardians on Thursday, making a diving catch to take away a hit from Steven Kwan with a runner on base in the third inning.

If Byron Buxton needs some rest, Minnesota slots Bader, who has three defensive runs saved this season while mostly playing left field, into center field, giving the team two elite defensive options at the position.

Bader’s 1.1 bWAR this season is already higher than it was last year and the one prior, largely due to his increased offensive production.

After going 3-for-5 with a double on Thursday, the Twins’ stellar defender has a .265/.351/.410 slash line with three home runs in 94 plate appearances. He hit .236/.284/.373 (86 OPS+) in 437 plate appearances last year and .232/.274/.348 (69 OPS+) in 344 plate appearances the season before. It’s safe to say that despite the Twins’ recent struggles, they certainly are happy with their decision to sign Bader.

If Bader, who signed a one-year, $6,250,000 contract with the Twins this past offseason that includes a $10 million mutual option for 2026, continues to be one of Minnesota’s best players, he could end up on a new team near the July 31 Trade Deadline if the Twins cannot turn their season around.

Twins set to begin series against the Red Sox

Bader and the Twins are set to begin a three-game series with the Boston Red Sox at 6:10 p.m. CST at Fenway Park on Friday.

Game 1’s probable starters are Twins righty Joe Ryan and Red Sox righty Brayan Bello.