The Phillies' free agency pursuits have largely wrapped up, with the likes of Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger now officially in new homes. Meanwhile, the team has settled into a roster configuration that appears to be set for the season.
However, Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski is reportedly willing to revisit some of his earlier spending commitments if a suitable bargain comes along. While he was said to have been willing to spend nearly $30 million annually on infielder Bo Bichette before the Mets swooped in and snatched him up, Dombrowski's focus remains fixed on reuniting with former outfield star Harrison Bader.
Bader has been lingering on the free agent market for an extended period, and his services are now being eyed by several teams still in need of outfield reinforcements. The Phillies, meanwhile, could be a contender to make a move if the price is right, considering they have $15 million available from their earlier commitment to Bichette that was never utilized.
A return to Philly for Bader would not only bolster the team's offense but also provide a boost in terms of leadership, having previously played a key role on the roster during his time with the Twins. Furthermore, it could potentially give top prospect Justin Crawford an opportunity to win the center field job at spring training, as the Phillies are set to start platooning him alongside Brandon Marsh and Otto Kemp in left.
While the possibility of reuniting with Bader appears to be a long shot, it cannot be ruled out entirely. The team's willingness to spend $15 million annually, coupled with Bader's desire for a more established contender rather than returning to a rebuilding Cardinals squad, makes for an intriguing scenario that could potentially become a reality if circumstances align in the right direction.
However, Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski is reportedly willing to revisit some of his earlier spending commitments if a suitable bargain comes along. While he was said to have been willing to spend nearly $30 million annually on infielder Bo Bichette before the Mets swooped in and snatched him up, Dombrowski's focus remains fixed on reuniting with former outfield star Harrison Bader.
Bader has been lingering on the free agent market for an extended period, and his services are now being eyed by several teams still in need of outfield reinforcements. The Phillies, meanwhile, could be a contender to make a move if the price is right, considering they have $15 million available from their earlier commitment to Bichette that was never utilized.
A return to Philly for Bader would not only bolster the team's offense but also provide a boost in terms of leadership, having previously played a key role on the roster during his time with the Twins. Furthermore, it could potentially give top prospect Justin Crawford an opportunity to win the center field job at spring training, as the Phillies are set to start platooning him alongside Brandon Marsh and Otto Kemp in left.
While the possibility of reuniting with Bader appears to be a long shot, it cannot be ruled out entirely. The team's willingness to spend $15 million annually, coupled with Bader's desire for a more established contender rather than returning to a rebuilding Cardinals squad, makes for an intriguing scenario that could potentially become a reality if circumstances align in the right direction.
I feel like the Phillies are really close to making a big move here. They've got the $$ and Bader wants a legit contender team... it's a perfect storm! 
The $15m they're offering could be just enough to lure him in, especially since he knows what it means to win with the Twins last year 
. And if Crawford gets a shot at CF, that'd be awesome for him and the team 
- you never know when it might come in handy if they want to snag Harrison Bader back. That guy was always a fan fave during his time with the Twins 
also what about jayson jareds? i thought he was gonna be the center fielder, seems like the phillies just wanna bring back more old players instead of giving young guys a chance 
. they gotta be smart about this and not give away too much of their payroll for a player who's had some consistency issues in his career 
. but at the same time, having bader back could definitely make a difference in the lineup... we'll just have to see how it all plays out 
he was such a key player last season and adding him now would give them a huge boost 
I mean, with 15 million dollars available, its definitely worth considering 
. And now with Crawford ready to break out, it'd be sick to see him get a shot to start in center field 
. Plus, think about how much of an upgrade Bader would bring over that guy they got instead (no offense, Kyle Tucker 
). The price might not be right yet, but if the Phillies can knock down that $15 million barrier, I'd totally be on board for this deal 
the energy in the stadium is gonna be electric with him on the field and he brings that leadership vibe... plus Justin Crawford gets a legit shot at the CF spot 
what do u think about bader's chances tho? 
still wouldn't say no to that 15 million tho 
. And can you imagine how big of a boost Crawford would get from having Bader around? It'd be like a whole new level of competition for him to step up 
It's like the universe is giving us a second chance at this, and I'm HERE. FOR. IT!