Bader signs with Twins on 1-year deal with mutual option for '26

The Twins moved to fill another of their needs, signing a deal with free-agent outfielder Harrison Bader, the team announced on Friday. It was the second addition of the week and the second Major League signing of the offseason for Minnesota, which also announced a deal with reliever Danny Coulombe on Friday.

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 a source.

Bader, 30, provides value in a couple of ways for Minnesota. He¡¯s a plus defensive outfielder who is still capable in center field, offering 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 club¡¯s 40-man roster was full before either move. The Twins cleared up a spot for Coulombe when they traded utility player Michael Helman to the Cardinals for cash on Thursday. To make room for Bader, they designated right-hander Ronny Henriquez for assignment. Henriquez went 1-1 with a 3.26 ERA in 19 1/3 innings for Minnesota in 2024.