The San Francisco Giants have officially bolstered their outfield by signing veteran outfielder Harrison Bader to a two-year, $20.5 million contract.

The deal includes incentives that can raise the total value to $21 million, and the Giants opened a spot on the 40-man roster by trading right-hander Kai-Wei Teng to the Houston Astros.

Bader, who turns 32 in June, enters his ninth major-league season coming off one of the strongest offensive years of his career.

Splitting the 2025 campaign between the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies, Bader appeared in 146 games and recorded a .277/.347/.449 slash line with 17 home runs, 24 doubles, and 11 stolen bases.

While his offensive performance exceeded league average, it was his improved quality of contact that stood out, as he posted career-best marks in barrel rate and hard-hit percentage over a full season.

Despite the solid production at the plate, Bader’s true value lies in his defense. Widely regarded as one of the premier outfield defenders in baseball, he has accumulated elite defensive metrics throughout his career, particularly in center field.

Across more than 5,900 innings at the position, Bader has consistently ranked among the league leaders in Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average, making him a significant upgrade for a Giants outfield that struggled defensively in 2025.

Bader’s speed remains a major asset as well. His sprint speed ranked in the 85th percentile last season, reinforcing that his range and quick first step are still intact even as he moves into his early 30s.

That athleticism is expected to translate well to Oracle Park’s spacious outfield, where range and instincts are especially valuable.

With Bader projected to take over as the Giants’ primary center fielder, the signing could also lead to defensive realignment elsewhere in the outfield.

Jung Hoo Lee, who logged significant time in center field last season, may shift to a corner spot where his strong arm can be better utilized while reducing the pressure on his range.

From a financial standpoint, the deal keeps the Giants comfortably below the luxury tax threshold while still allowing them to address a clear roster need.

Overall, the addition of Bader signals San Francisco’s commitment to improving team defense and building a more balanced roster as it prepares to compete in a demanding NL West in 2026.

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