The Phillies’ free agent outfielder Harrison Bader posted a farewell message to fans on Instagram, signaling the end of his brief time in Philadelphia.
Last week, Bader officially declined his side of a $10 million mutual option for 2026, making him a free agent again. Mutual options rarely get exercised by both parties.
This season marked one of Bader's best, as he hit .277 with 17 home runs, 54 RBIs, a .796 OPS, and a 117 OPS+ combined between his stints with the Twins and Phillies. After dealing with injuries and frequent team changes, he finally showed the potential scouts predicted.
Bader made a significant impact in Philadelphia in a short time, batting .305 with an .824 OPS after joining the Phillies. He provided a crucial boost to the team's offense and defense near the trade deadline.
His postseason was cut short by a leg injury in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Dodgers, sidelining him for the remainder of the series.
"Harrison Bader in Philly worked. I would have liked to have him back."
This farewell reflects both the potential Bader showed and the missed opportunity for the Phillies to retain him.
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