Harrison Bader DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Minnesota Twins outfielder Harrison Bader went 1-for-4 in Wednesday's 6-1 victory over the White Sox, but his one hit was a decisive one. He smashed a three-run home run to left on the first pitch he saw from Sean Burke in the fourth inning. The Twins lead went from 1-0 to a much more comfortable 4-0 with the blast, and the team cruised to a second straight win after an 0-4 start. The home run was already Bader's third blast of the season, and he has gone 4-for-16 (.250) in his five games, with all four of his hits for extra bases and eight RBI. He and the Twins are back in action on Thursday afternoon for their home opener against Houston and Hunter Brown. Bader's quick start could lead to full-time at-bats, and since he brings good speed potential along with his power surge, he's worth a look as at least a short-term solution in mixed leagues.

Minnesota Twins outfielder Harrison Bader hit a home run during his only plate appearance on Tuesday in his squad's 8-3 win against the Chicago White Sox. Bader came in to pinch-hit for teammate Trevor Larnach in the top of the ninth and promptly blasted his second HR of the season, scoring DaShawnKeirsey Jr. and Byron Buxton to bring their run total to eight. The 30-year-old has just three hits on the season, but they're all of the extra-base variety (two homers, one double). Bader has oddly been better against right-handed pitchers in his career, and that's stayed true in 2025. All three of the New York native's hits have come off righties thus far, while he's 0-for-4 against lefties.

The Athletic's Dan Hayes writes that Minnesota Twins outfielder Harrison Bader, who is primarily a center fielder and won a Gold Glove at the position in 2021, will see a significant amount of playing time in left field in 2025 in his first year in Minnesota. Bader's last 651 defensive appearances have come in center field dating back to 2018. However, Byron Buxton is entrenched in center field. The 30-year-old veteran has only logged 58 2/3 innings in the majors in left field, but he has experience in the corners from his days in college. Bader's best asset is his glove, so fantasy-wise, RotoBaller doesn't have him ranked as a top-100 outfielder going into 2025. He had a .496 OPS in his final 157 plate appearances last year with the Mets and started just twice in 12 playoff games last fall. Bader can be useful in deeper fantasy leagues with his modest power/speed profile.

The New York Post's Jon Heyman reports that free-agent outfielder Harrison Bader has signed with the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday on an undisclosed one-year deal that includes a mutual option for the 2026 season. Bader will essentially head to spring training this year as Minnesota's fourth outfielder but also as a much-needed insurance policy for oft-injured center fielder Byron Buxton. The 30-year-old Bader spent all of 2024 with the New York Mets, slashing .236/.284/.373 with a below-average .657 OPS, 12 home runs, 51 RBI, 17 stolen bases and 57 runs scored in 437 plate appearances over 143 regular-season games. Don't expect him to see as much playing time in Minnesota if Buxton stays healthy, but he'll be a nice option against left-handed pitchers with a career .776 OPS versus southpaws. He has an elite glove and will be a modest power/speed contributor in deeper fantasy formats.

New York Mets outfielder Harrison Bader will cover center field and bat in the nine-hole on Sunday afternoon in Game 2 of the NLDS. Bader is getting the nod over Tyrone Taylor who covered center field in Game 1. Taylor went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts on Saturday. Bader entered the game late as a pinch-runner and was able to score twice, stole a base, and tallied a hit which is why he has earned a starting opportunity. He will face Philadelphia southpaw Cristopher Sanchez, who posted a strong 2.43 ERA and 1.08 WHIP through his final five starts of the regular season. Bader remains a high-risk option in DFS, given his spot in the lineup and rather difficult matchup.