Bader, Twins agree to 1-year deal with option for '26 (source)
The Twins moved to fill another of their needs on Wednesday, coming to terms on a deal with free-agent outfielder Harrison Bader, a source told MLB.com. It would be the second addition of the week and the second Major League signing of the offseason for Minnesota, which reached an agreement with reliever Danny Coulombe on Tuesday.
Bader's deal, which is for one year and includes a mutual option for 2026, is worth a guaranteed $6.25 million plus up to $2 million in bonuses, according to the source.
The club has not confirmed either move.
Bader, 30, would provide value in a couple of ways for Minnesota. He¡¯s a plus defensive outfielder who is still capable in center field, providing depth in case of injury to Byron Buxton as well as occasional breathers for Buxton. He¡¯s also a right-handed hitter, providing balance for a Twins outfield that aside from Buxton tilts heavily to the left side.
Bader posted a .236/.284/.373 batting line with the Mets in 2024, playing a career-high 143 games, including 140 in center field. He hit 12 homers and stole 17 bases in 25 attempts. For his career, he¡¯s a .242/.306/.392 hitter.
The additions of Bader and Coulombe may necessitate further dealings for Minnesota. The club¡¯s 40-man roster was full before either move, so at a minimum, two players will need to be removed in order to clear space. Additionally, while it¡¯s unclear exactly how much payroll room the club has, it¡¯s possible there will be some pressure to clear some salary in order to accommodate the new acquisitions.