The Philadelphia Phillies have made a few additions to the roster this offseason, and it seems like they’re content with the way their lineup looks heading into the season.
As a result, free agent outfielder Harrison Bader is expected to sign with somebody else in free agency, which is quite shocking considering how impressive a season he had last year. Bader was one of the most underrated players in the game last season.
Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball predicted Bader would bolt for a two-year, $30 million deal with the Kansas City Royals in free agency.
“While the Phillies could still trade Nick Castellanos to open up more at-bats in the outfield, there may not be enough for Bader to return,” Finkelstein wrote. “Instead, my new prediction has Bader heading to a team that could desperately use another quality veteran bat in the Kansas City Royals.
“Kyle Isbel has been holding down center field for the Royals for the last few seasons, where he is great in the expansive outfield at Kauffman, but not great in the batter’s box. Bader would represent a real upgrade for a team that should be looking to make an upgrade before spring training.”
The Royals need to add some talent alongside Bobby Witt Jr., but they don’t have the money to keep up in free agency sweepstakes for stars like Cody Bellinger.
Pivoting to an affordable veteran like Bader would make perfect sense. Bader would fit well in the massive outfield in Kansas City, while also slotting in alongside Witt in the lineup.
The Phillies should be pursuing a reunion, but it seems like they’re content with letting him walk.
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