The San Francisco Giants are set to sign free agent outfielder Harrison Bader to a two-year contract, according to reports. Bader, who has been a free agent for three consecutive offseasons, is expected to earn $20.5MM with an additional $250K in incentives each season. This marks a significant step forward in his career, as he previously signed one-year deals with the Mets and Twins. Bader's performance in 2025, particularly with the Phillies, has been a key factor in his market value, with a 22% improvement over the league average in terms of wRC+.
Despite his strong offensive performance, Bader's calling card has never been his hitting. His overall career statistics show a .247/.313/.401 batting average, which is just above average. However, his defensive skills are exceptional, with 5925 innings of center field defense and impressive defensive metrics. Bader has been credited with 51 Defensive Runs Saved and 67 Outs Above Average, making him one of the best defenders in baseball, regardless of position.
As Bader approaches his 32nd birthday, concerns may arise about his performance in the next two seasons. However, his recent history suggests that he is likely to maintain his speed and range. In 2025, Bader's sprint speed of 28.8 feet per second was an improvement on his 2024 mark and placed him in the 85th percentile of all big league position players. This speed and range will be a valuable asset for the Giants, especially with the team's current defensive challenges.
The Giants' center fielder, Jung Hoo Lee, has had a poor defensive performance in the past offseason, with -18 DRS and -5 OAA. Bader's signing will provide a significant defensive upgrade, even if his bat regresses. The contract will bump the Giants' payroll to $195MM, but they remain well within the luxury tax threshold of $244MM.
The Giants' decision to sign Bader is a strategic move, addressing a key need while also providing a strong defensive presence. With Bader's speed, range, and defensive skills, he is expected to be a valuable addition to the team, even if his hitting performance regresses slightly.
