Harrison Bader Officially Says Goodbye to Phillies Fans
The Phillies' free agent outfielder Harrison Bader posted a farewell message to fans, confirming he will not return to Philadelphia. This marks the end of Bader's brief stint with the Phillies.
Contract Decision
Last week, Bader officially declined his side of a $10 million mutual option for the 2026 season, making him a free agent. Mutual options, ironically, are rarely exercised by both parties.
Season Performance
Bader enters free agency after one of the best seasons of his career, batting .277 with 17 home runs, 54 RBIs, a .796 OPS, and a 117 OPS+ combined between the Twins and Phillies. After years of moving between teams and dealing with injuries, he appeared to fulfill the potential scouts once saw in him.
Impact in Philadelphia
Despite his short time with the Phillies, Bader made a strong impression, hitting .305 with an .824 OPS and providing a crucial boost on both offense and defense during the trade deadline period.
"Harrison Bader in Philly worked. I would have liked to have him back."
Unfortunately, his postseason was cut short by a leg injury in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Dodgers, sidelining him for the remainder of the series.
Personal Note
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Author’s summary: Harrison Bader’s brief but impactful time with the Phillies ends as he declines his option, entering free agency after a strong season marred by postseason injury.