In an exciting turn of events for Major League Baseball, Harrison Bader has signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Twins, as reported by The Associated Press through a confidential source.
Contract Details
This contract has the potential for an extension, including a mutual option for the 2026 season, but it is still pending finalization, according to an anonymous insider.
Bader, who took home the Gold Glove award in 2021 as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, is about to embark on his fifth team in as many seasons.
Last year, while donning the New York Mets jersey, he put together a season that included a .236 batting average, 12 home runs, 51 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases, proving his versatility and talent.
Player Profile
Though his playoff participation was limited—only two starts in 12 games—his ability to make impactful plays can’t be overlooked.
The Twins are eager to add Bader to their roster, as he promises to bolster their lineup with a powerful right-handed bat, along with exceptional defensive prowess in the outfield.
His arrival could be beneficial, especially when they need to give Byron Buxton a rest.
Primarily a center fielder, Bader also handles corner outfield positions with ease, taking on a role similar to that of Michael A. Taylor from the previous year.
While the Twins had anticipated a stronger performance from Manny Margot, they are now excited to see what Bader can bring to this crucial position.
Additional Signings
Across his career, Bader has maintained a .242 batting average, with 71 home runs and 268 RBIs to his name.
He has also successfully pilfered 94 bases in 120 attempts during his stints with the Cardinals (2017-22), the Yankees (2022-23), and the Mets.
Notably, the Mets had signed him to a one-year contract valued at $10.5 million last season.
In addition to Bader’s signing, the Twins are close to finalizing a one-year agreement with left-handed pitcher Danny Coulombe.
Coulombe, who previously played for the Twins between 2020 and 2022, spent the last couple of seasons with the Baltimore Orioles.
His last season was particularly notable as he posted a 1-0 record with a stellar 2.12 ERA over 33 relief appearances, tallying 32 strikeouts while allowing only five walks across 29 2/3 innings.
Coulombe has built a solid resume over the course of his decade-long career, boasting a 15-9 record and a respectable 3.52 ERA with teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, Twins, and Orioles.
With these promising new additions to their roster, the Minnesota Twins look set to make a strong impact in the upcoming season!
