Mets Rumors: Harrison Bader Agrees to 1-Year, $10.5M Contract in MLB Free Agency

The New York Mets reportedly added some outfield depth Thursday.

According to Andy Martino of SNY, the National League East team signed Harrison Bader to a deal. Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported the contract is for one year and $10.5 million.

While Bader isn't a headline addition, he is an experienced veteran who brings solid defense to the table.

He was a Gold Glove winner in 2021 as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals and was responsible for four defensive runs saved above average last season as a member of the New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds, per FanGraphs.

While the 29-year-old played the first five-plus seasons of his career in St. Louis, the Cardinals traded him to the Yankees during the 2022 campaign. He was excellent in the postseason for New York and launched five home runs in nine games.

However, the Yankees ended up placing him on waivers last season, and Cincinnati picked him up for the stretch run.

Bader has always been more known for his glove than his bat.

He slashed .232/.274/.348 with seven home runs, 40 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 98 games in 2023. It was a career-high steals total, which underscored his ability to impact the games in different ways even if he isn't a traditional power hitter who can anchor a lineup.

Durability is something of a concern considering he hasn't played more than 103 games since 2019, but the Mets likely won't count on him to be their most important everyday player. Rather, he will be an impressive defensive outfielder who can make plays on the base paths and provide solid depth as they attempt to challenge in the National League East.