Bader's Breakout 2025 Season
Harrison Bader enjoyed a resurgent year in 2025, slashing .277/.347/.449 with an OPS of .796, tying for 30th in MLB average. He smashed 17 homers and drove in 54 RBIs across 448 at-bats, proving his value as a table-setter with 11 steals despite 7 caught stealing.
Advanced metrics from Statcast underline his athleticism: 87.2 mph average exit velocity (234th in MLB), 112.3 mph max exit velocity (95th), and 446 feet longest homer (64th). Defensively, his 22.09-second pop time ranked 42nd, while sprint speed held steady at 28.8 ft/sec.
Month-to-month, Bader peaked in April (.254 AVG, 2 HR) and maintained steadiness, contributing to the Phillies' 96-66 record and playoff push. His postseason play included a 1.000 OPS in limited action.
Offseason Uncertainty with Phillies
Bader's future in Philadelphia depends heavily on J.T. Realmuto's free agency decision. Reports indicate the Phillies may non-tender Bader if Realmuto departs, as retaining both could strain the payroll amid roster retooling.
Despite this, Phillies Nation notes the team remains interested in bringing back the 31-year-old center fielder. Trade rumors swirl, with Adolis García mentioned as a potential alternative, but Bader's defensive reliability and 2025 production make him a desirable piece.
With the Phillies at 96-66 in 2025, leadership eyes contention. Bader's speed (29.0 ft/sec home-to-first) and outfield range position him as a key asset, whether in Philly or via trade to a contender.
Elite Defense and Career Context
Throughout his career, Bader has earned Gold Gloves, with 2025 reinforcing his reputation: 7 outs above average in center, elite arm strength, and 18th in MLB stolen bases (11). His 2025 barrel rate of 7.1% shows offensive growth.
From St. Louis Cardinals debut in 2017 to Yankees and Reds stints, Bader's 2025 Phillies tenure marked stability. At 6'0", 210 lbs, his durability shone in 146 games.
Looking ahead, Bader's market value rises with these stats. Teams seeking defensive upgrades or speed off the bench will monitor his status closely this winter.