Quick Read
- The San Francisco Giants signed free-agent center fielder Harrison Bader to a two-year, $20.5 million deal.
- Bader’s acquisition addresses the Giants’ 2025 outfield defensive struggles, which ranked among the worst in MLB.
- He is coming off a career-best offensive season in 2025, slashing .277/.347/.449 with 17 homers.
- Bader’s 76 Outs Above Average (OAA) since 2018 are the most among all MLB outfielders.
- The signing is expected to shift Jung Hoo Lee to right field, utilizing his strong arm while mitigating his range issues.
SAN FRANCISCO (Azat TV) – The San Francisco Giants have officially signed free-agent center fielder Harrison Bader to a two-year, $20.5 million deal, a move poised to significantly upgrade the team’s outfield defense and add an unexpected boost to its offensive capabilities. The agreement, reported by sources including ESPN and MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, addresses one of the Giants’ most pressing offseason priorities: fortifying a defensive unit that struggled significantly in 2025.
Defensive Anchor Arrives for San Francisco
Bader, 31, is renowned for his exceptional defensive skills, having earned a Gold Glove Award in 2021. His acquisition directly targets the Giants’ glaring weakness in center field, where the team’s outfielders collectively posted a dismal minus-18 Outs Above Average (OAA) in 2025, a mark tied with the Baltimore Orioles for the worst in Major League Baseball. Bader’s career defensive metrics are staggering; since 2018, his 76 OAA are the most among all outfielders, far surpassing any other player in that span.
This defensive prowess is expected to have an immediate impact on the Giants’ lineup configuration. Jung Hoo Lee, who handled the majority of center field duties last season, recorded a subpar -18 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and -5 OAA. While Lee possesses a strong arm, ranking in the 91st percentile among big league outfielders by Statcast, his range in center field was noted as a significant weakness. With Bader now slotting in as the everyday center fielder, Lee is likely to shift to right field, where his throwing arm can be better utilized and his defensive shortcomings mitigated.
Offensive Resurgence and Career Highs
While primarily known for his glove, Bader is coming off an unexpected offensive breakout season in 2025. Splitting time between the Minnesota Twins and the Philadelphia Phillies, he slashed .277/.347/.449 with 17 home runs, 54 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases in 18 attempts across 501 plate appearances. His .796 OPS was the highest of his nine-year career, and his 117 OPS+ (where 100 is league average) indicated he was 17% better than the average hitter. Notably, Bader showed significant improvement against same-side pitching, slashing .300/.369/.476 against right-handers, suggesting he can be more than a platoon player.
This offensive surge represents a departure from his career average of .247/.313/.401 for six different teams since his 2017 debut with the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite turning 32 in June 2026, Bader’s sprint speed of 28.8 feet per second in 2025 actually improved from his 2024 mark, indicating that his athleticism, a key component of his elite defense, remains intact.
Giants’ Measured Offseason Strategy
The signing of Harrison Bader marks a significant highlight in what has been a relatively conservative offseason for the San Francisco Giants. Prior to Bader, the team’s notable additions included starting pitchers Tyler Mahle and Adrian Houser, both acquired on what sources described as low-cost deals. The Giants’ approach appears to be one of targeted improvements rather than large-scale spending sprees.
The deal for Bader is guaranteed for $20.5 million over two years, with an additional $250,000 available in incentives each season, as reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. This contract pushes the Giants’ projected actual cash payroll to approximately $195 million. Their luxury tax payroll is estimated at around $221.5 million, which still leaves more than $20 million below the $244 million threshold where luxury penalties begin. The Giants have historically been cautious with the luxury tax, exceeding it only once recently in 2024.
San Francisco is reportedly still active in the market, particularly seeking a second baseman. The team is said to be exploring the trade market for affordable targets such as CJ Abrams and Brendan Donovan, indicating a continued focus on strategic acquisitions that balance impact with financial prudence.
The acquisition of Harrison Bader signals a clear commitment from the Giants to address fundamental roster weaknesses, prioritizing elite defense in a crucial position while also capitalizing on a veteran player’s recent offensive upswing. This targeted approach aims to create a more balanced and competitive roster, moving beyond the team’s 2025 struggles and positioning them for a more successful 2026 season.