The Phillies' free agent outfielder Harrison Bader posted a farewell message to fans on Instagram, officially ending his brief time with Philadelphia. Last week, Bader declined his side of a $10 million mutual option for 2026, making him a free agent once again.
Mutual options, despite their name, rarely get exercised by both parties. Bader now enters the market after one of the best seasons of his career.
These stats combine his time with the Twins and Phillies, showcasing his growth after years of injuries and team changes. For the first time, Bader appeared to fulfill the potential scouts once saw in him.
Bader’s stint with the Phillies was brief but effective. He impressed by hitting .305 with an .824 OPS and provided a vital boost in both offense and defense at the trade deadline.
Harrison Bader in Philly worked. I would have liked to have him back.
Unfortunately, his postseason was cut short by a leg injury in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Dodgers, sidelining him for the rest of the series.
This departure leaves the Phillies without a key contributor from the previous season, and Bader moves forward to explore new opportunities in free agency.
Author’s summary: Harrison Bader’s brief but productive time with the Phillies ended as he declined a mutual option, leaving free agency after one of his best career seasons.