Harrison Bader Is Ineligible to Receive a Qualifying Offer
If the Phillies do not re-sign center fielder Harrison Bader in free agency, they will receive no compensation when he departs.
Bader was traded during the 2025 season, making him ineligible for a qualifying offer (QO). To qualify for a QO, a player must spend the entire season with the same team.
"Because Bader was traded during the 2025 season, the Phillies cannot extend a qualifying offer to him."
Bader declined his half of a $10 million mutual option for 2026, which triggers a $3 million buyout owed to him and allows him to enter free agency.
This contrasts with Kyle Schwarber and Ranger Suárez, to whom the Phillies will offer qualifying offers. Both are expected to decline, allowing the Phillies to receive compensatory draft picks if they sign elsewhere.
- The Phillies get no compensation if Bader leaves.
- They will receive compensatory draft picks for Schwarber and Suárez if those players sign with other teams.
Harrison Bader spoke with @TyDaubert about his time with the Phillies and his future as he enters free agency (via @TimKellySports).
This situation highlights the Phillies' limited options for compensation when losing Bader, unlike with other key players.
Author's summary: Harrison Bader's midseason trade in 2025 disqualifies him from a qualifying offer, leaving the Phillies without compensation if he signs elsewhere.