

The San Francisco Giants have made a notable addition to their roster, agreeing to terms with outfielder Harrison Bader on a two-year contract, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, with the deal pending completion of a physical.
Bader, 31, has long been regarded as one of the premier defensive outfielders in baseball, but he is coming off arguably the most productive offensive season of his career.
In 2025, Bader set career highs in plate appearances (501), home runs (17), on-base percentage (.347), OPS (.796), and OPS+ (117). He also reached four wins above replacement for the second time in his career, per Baseball-Reference, matching his mark from the 2021 season.
Defensively, Bader’s arrival represents a significant upgrade for San Francisco.
The expectation is that he will take over primary duties in center field, allowing Jung Hoo Lee -- who manned center last season -- to slide into right field.
That alignment gives the Giants a Gold Glove-caliber presence up the middle while strengthening the overall outfield defense.
Bader began the 2025 season with the Minnesota Twins after signing a one-year deal that included a mutual option for 2026, which he later declined.
At the trade deadline, Minnesota dealt him to the Philadelphia Phillies, where Bader elevated his play even further. In 50 games with Philadelphia, he hit .305/.361/.463 with five home runs and 16 RBIs, earning a reputation as a sparkplug for his energy and impact on a club that went on to win the NL East.
For the Giants, the signing comes at a pivotal moment in the offseason. San Francisco had appeared relatively quiet while evaluating its options, but Bader now slots into an outfield mix that includes Heliot Ramos or Drew Gilbert, Lee, and Bader.
The move signals a measured but meaningful investment as the Giants aim to stay in the postseason conversation.
While the organization has been cautious with spending, particularly after last year’s major addition of Rafael Devers via the trade market, the front office has prioritized short-term flexibility.
That approach is reflected not only in the Bader deal but also in rotation additions such as Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle.
Heading into next season, the Giants are placing trust in a core led by Matt Chapman, Willy Adames, Devers, and Logan Webb. With newly hired manager Tony Vitello ushering in a new era, San Francisco believes this roster can contend for a Wild Card spot while continuing to take steps forward in the National League West.
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