Dave Dombrowski made it clear that the Philadelphia Phillies want to bring back free agent Harrison Bader.
The Philadelphia Phillies acquired Harrson Bader from the Minnesota Twins leading up to last trade deadline, and the partnership ended up being a resounding success for both sides.
Now, with Bader being a free agent, the Phillies must make the decision of whether or not they want to bring back the veteran outfielder or seek upgrades elsewhere.
Even though free agency is just starting, Philadelphia is making it clear it would like to seek a reunion with Bader.
Last week at MLB’s GM meeting in Las Vegas, Dave Dombrowski made it clear to Bader’s camp that he would like to see the 31-year-old back in a Phillies jersey for the 2026 season.
“They [Bader’s camp] know we’d like to bring him back,” Dombrowski told reporters (quote via MLB.com).
Oct 4, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Harrison Bader (2) hits an RBI sacrifice fly against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning during game one of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesIt’s pretty interesting to see an executive be so honest and forthcoming about wanting to re-sign a free agent. Typically, general managers play things close to the chest to maintain their negotiation leverage; Dombrowski has always operated a little differently.
Even though Philadelphia would prefer a reunion, Dombrowski did say Bader and his camp want to explore what options and offers he has in the open market. This decision from the free agent makes sense, considering there aren’t a ton of high-impact free agent outfielders.
Dombrowski continued, “They also had expressed that they want to see what’s out there because this was the best year he’s had, I think, in quite a while.”
The Phillies have a number of free agents they must bring back, but Bader is arguably just as important as any of them, outside of MVP finalist Kyle Swarber.
Would a reunion with Bader even make sense for the Phillies, though?
Absolutely, 1000%, no-brainer, or whatever affirmative synonym you’d like to use.
Bader slashed .305/.361/.463 with an OPS of .824 in his 50 games with the Phillies. Philadelphia also has some concern with its outfield depth, and Bader is one of the best defensive outfielders in the game.
Unfortunately, the veteran was injured in the playoffs, limiting his role; however, this may make Bader feel like he has some unfinished business in Philly and encourage him to return.