Could Harrison Bader Be Heading Back to St. Louis? Chaim Bloom Leaves the Door Open
The Cardinals’ annual Winter Warm-Up is usually a time for fans to get up close with the team, but this year, it also offered a glimpse into what new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom might have in mind for the roster. During a Q&A session with fans, Bloom fielded a direct question about a familiar face: Harrison Bader. And while Bloom didn’t tip his hand too much, he did acknowledge there’s “room” for a right-handed outfielder - and yes, Bader is on the radar.
Now, it’s important to note that Bader’s name came up because a fan asked about him specifically. So Bloom’s mention doesn’t necessarily mean the Cardinals are in hot pursuit. But it does suggest they’re at least keeping tabs on the possibility - and that’s worth talking about.
Bader, who turns 32 in June, is no stranger to St. Louis.
Drafted by the Cardinals in the third round back in 2015, he spent the first six-and-a-half seasons of his big league career patrolling center field at Busch Stadium. Known for his elite glove and game-changing speed, Bader’s bat was more league-average during his time in St.
Louis, slashing .246/.320/.409 with a 98 wRC+. But in 2021, he put together his most complete season: 16 home runs, a 108 wRC+, and a Gold Glove in just 103 games.
That version of Bader was a difference-maker. But after being traded to the Yankees in 2022 for lefty Jordan Montgomery, he struggled to recapture that form. Between the Yankees, Reds, and Mets in 2023 and 2024, he bounced around without much consistency at the plate or in the lineup.
Then came 2025 - and with it, a resurgence.
Bader signed with the Twins and, while he mostly played left field to accommodate Byron Buxton in center, he found his rhythm offensively. He hit a solid .258/.339/.439 in Minnesota before being traded midseason to the Phillies.
Back in center field in Philly, Bader elevated his game down the stretch, hitting .305/.361/.463 over his final 50 games. By season’s end, he’d played a career-high 146 games and posted a .277/.347/.449 slash line with 17 homers, 11 steals, and +7 Outs Above Average in the field - good for a 122 wRC+.
Simply put, it was the best season of his career, and it came at the perfect time with free agency looming.
That breakout year has made Bader one of the more intriguing right-handed outfield bats on the market - especially in a free agent class that’s light on that profile. Early in the offseason, a return to the Phillies seemed like a real possibility.
But Philadelphia chose to go in another direction, signing Adolis García to fill their outfield need. With top prospect Justin Crawford expected to take over in center and García in right, Bader no longer fits into their plans.
That’s left Bader’s market relatively quiet - and that’s where a team like the Cardinals could come in.
St. Louis has a need for a right-handed outfield bat, and Bader checks a lot of boxes.
He knows the organization, plays elite defense, and just showed he can still produce with the bat. For a Cardinals team looking to add depth and flexibility to its outfield, he could be a smart, low-risk, high-upside addition.
Of course, the Cardinals aren’t the only team that could make sense. The Yankees and Mets - both former homes for Bader - could circle back if other options fall through, especially if Cody Bellinger signs elsewhere.
The Royals, Rays, and Guardians could all use outfield help, though budget constraints might make a deal tougher to pull off. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks and Giants have the payroll space but may prefer to stick with internal options.
For teams still shopping for a right-handed outfield bat, Bader is one of the more appealing names left on the board. Alternatives like Austin Hays, Miguel Andujar, Chas McCormick, and Randal Grichuk are still available, but none bring quite the same combination of elite defense, recent offensive upside, and postseason experience that Bader does.
So, could a St. Louis reunion be in the cards?
Bloom didn’t say yes - but he didn’t say no either. And with the outfield picture still coming into focus, Bader remains a name worth watching as the hot stove continues to simmer.