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By Drew VonScio
Contributing Sports Writer
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The New York Mets must add to their outfield before spring training begins, and the organization is running out of time.
Cody Bellinger is reportedly the player David Stearns wants to add the most to his lineup to help provide some protection for Juan Soto. However, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported on Sunday that the New York Yankees submitted a second offer for Bellinger. Regardless of any potential progress, the Mets have to be prepared for their backup plan.
The next best option for them is veteran outfielder Harrison Bader.
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There's certainly a significant downgrade offensively from Bellinger to Bader. Nobody in the world of baseball would say otherwise. However, Bader's glove is very strong in the outfield, and he is capable of playing center field next to Soto. Last season with the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies, Bader produced 3.9 bWAR and a 117 OPS+, indicating his bat was above average.
He hit 17 home runs and drove in 54 runs between the two clubs, with the majority of his production happening in Minnesota. However, that was a large part of why the Phillies traded for him at the deadline as well.
The Mets could certainly use Bader on both sides of the ball, as he would provide a boost to their lineup. An acquisition of his nature would also support what Stearns seems to be doing this winter with adding supplemental players such as Jorge Polanco rather than difference makers like Pete Alonso. Whether that strategy pays off remains to be seen.
Spotrac is projecting Bader to sign a two-year deal worth just over $20 million. An average annual value of $10 million for Bader would be a reasonable price to pay, given his quality and reputation as a plus defender.
Signing Bader would also allow the Mets to save money in hopes of landing a premium starting pitcher like Framber Valdez or Ranger Suarez on a short-term deal with a significant average annual value.
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