Mets center fielder Harrison Bader 1-year deal $10 million, AP source

Harrison Bader signs a $10 million contract with the New York Mets. The Mets are improving their defense after a rough year.

The New York Mets have signed center fielder Harrison Bader to a one-year contract worth about $10 million. The deal was confirmed by a source familiar with the agreement who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. The move is pending a physical and has not yet been officially announced by the team.

Bader, who won a Gold Glove with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2021, is returning to his home state of New York after a brief stint with the Yankees. He was acquired from the Cardinals in August 2022 in exchange for pitcher Jordan Montgomery and was later claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds in August 2023.

During the 2023 season, Bader batted .232 with seven home runs and 40 RBIs, although his season was affected by injuries. He also recorded a career-best 20 stolen bases in 23 attempts and had a .622 OPS in 98 games.

Having completed a $10.4 million, two-year contract with the Cardinals, Bader became a free agent in November. Throughout his seven-year career in the MLB, he has maintained a .243 batting average with 59 home runs and a .706 OPS.

The Mets' new president of baseball operations, David Stearns, has prioritized defense in the team's offseason acquisitions, given the uncertainty surrounding the pitching staff. Bader's addition is part of this strategy, as he brings speed and elite defense in center field when healthy, as well as an .824 career OPS against left-handed pitching.

The signing of Bader may also result in Brandon Nimmo moving from center field to a corner spot, while Starling Marte, the All-Star right fielder, is expected to return after being limited to 86 games last season due to injuries.

Bader, who was born just north of New York City and attended high school in the Bronx, expressed a desire to play for the Yankees in the past. However, the Mets have provided him with an opportunity to return to his hometown and make an impact with their team.

Despite dealing with various injuries throughout his career, Bader's strong performance in the 2022 postseason, where he hit .333 with five home runs and six RBIs in nine games, demonstrates his potential as a valuable asset to the Mets.