After a fairly disappointing 2025 season, it looks like the San Francisco Giants have found a diamond in the rough. The Giants recently signed one of the hottest outfielders in the league, 9-year veteran Harrison Bader, to a 2-year, $20.5 million dollar contract. Bader, coming off of an extraordinary 2025 season in which he played for both the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies over a 146 game span, will fulfill the role of primary center fielder. He was acquired after the Giants traded Kai-Wei Teng to the Houston Astros. The move is significantly beneficial for the Giants as their outfield proved to be a significant anchor in their 2025 campaign.
Bader looks to be an impactful addition to the organization as his stats reflect both his offensive and defensive dominance on the field. According to Yahoo Sports, Bader recorded 17 home runs, 24 doubles, and 11 stolen bases. His quality of contact was also a contributing factor in his notable success over the course of his 2025 season. Apart from his outstanding offensive stats, Bader shined emphatically through his major contributions on defense. He has held a high standing in the league for Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average, proving that he is a huge threat on the defensive side.
Bader’s athleticism is another aspect that makes a hot commodity in the league. Despite being 31-years old, Bader’s speed and calf strength make him a force to be reckoned with on the field. He was marked in the 85th percentile in terms of sprint speed according to Yahoo Sports, proving that age is just a number. The remarkable athlete continues to perform at a high level, reinforcing the notion that his addition to the Giants in the upcoming season is both crucial and essential.
The Giants faced many challenges last season as the lack of quality and depth in the outfielder position played a significant role in the mediocrity of their season. In hopes to turn things around and outshine their NL West rivals, the signing of Bader looks to fill the cracks within the team that needed immediate improvement. The Giants look to improve their year-end season record as they leveled their win-loss ratio to an even 81-81 the previous year. Bader’s recent success on the field shows that he is a formidable contender in the league, and furthermore, proves that the Giants decision to sign him was, in fact, a wise one. The Giants are looking for this signing to be the catalyst in gaining future success in the league.
