Astros might've just handed the Phillies a Harrison Bader replacement in local hero

Tuesday's news that Harrison Bader had declined his mutual option for 2026 wasn't exactly what you'd call surprising. It still stung for Philadelphia Phillies fans, however, as Bader had quickly ingrained himself as a fan and clubhouse favorite after arriving at the trade deadline.

Bader may or may not re-sign with the Phillies. Another intriguing option just popped up on the radar after the Houston Astros placed outfielder Chas McCormick on outright waivers on Tuesday. The Pennsylvania native from West Chester grew up a Phillies fan. He played Division II ball at Millersville University.

Fans are already more than familiar with McCormick, not just for his roots but for his part in denying the Phillies a World Series.

Phillies fans know all about Chas McCormick after 2022 World Series heroics

McCormick played a big role in the Astros topping the Phillies in the 2022 World Series. It will be hard for any Phillies fan to forget his Game 5 catch at Citizens Bank Park. The leaping grab that sent him crashing into the right center field scoreboard robbed J.T. Realmuto of what looked like a sure extra-base hit in the ninth inning of that huge swing game.

The former 21st-round pick was a fan favorite in Houston, and fans will be sad to see him go despite his decline over the last couple of seasons. His best season came in 2023 when he hit .273 with an .842 OPS, 22 home runs, 70 RBIs, 19 stolen bases and a 132 wRC+ in just 115 games.

Now 30 years old, he fell off in 2024 and this past year, hitting .211 with a .574 OPS in a combined 160 games for the Astros.

Even with his recent play, there's a chance some team will take a flier on McCormick. According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, teams have long had interest in him (subscription required) thanks in part to his opposite-field offensive profile that is ideal for ballparks with short porches in right field.

Could Chas McCormick replace Harrison Bader in Phillies' outfield?

Phillies fans loved Bader thanks to his style of play and enthusiastic personality. Cut out of the same cloth, McCormick would endear himself to the home crowd immediately. But that would only work if he was able to prove to the front office and manager Rob Thomson that he can perform offensively as an everyday player.

In the field, McCormick can play all three outfield spots. He may not be an elite defender like Bader, but he's above average.

While he carries a high career strikeout rate (27.4 percent) and low walk rate (8.7 percent), something the Phillies have been trying to get away from, he would be a cheap option to try out as the Phillies try to rebuild their outfield. MLB Trade Rumors projects his arbitration salary for 2026 at $3.4 million.

With plenty of playoff experience, with 33 games under his belt and a World Series ring, McCormick might be a nice platoon partner for Brandon Marsh. Hitting from the right side, he slashed .325/.399/.610 in 123 at-bats against left-handed pitching in his 2023 season.

For now, all we can do is wait and see where the Pennsylvania product winds up this offseason. Maybe McCormick will come home.