The Philadelphia Phillies made a modest but potentially impactful move at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, acquiring outfielder Harrison Bader. As the only offensive addition at the deadline, many fans questioned whether this move would be enough to bolster the roster down the stretch.
After a slow start with the new club, Bader has quickly turned things around and is proving his value both offensively and defensively. Following an 0-for-6 start at the plate, Bader launched a three-run home run that seemed to spark a turning point in his tenure with the Phillies.
That home run kicked off a stretch in which Bader recorded hits in seven of the next 10 games, including four multi hit performances in his Phillies tenure. He has two home runs in a Phillies uniform which have both come in clutch impactful moments. The first gave the team a 6–3 lead against the Baltimore Orioles on Aug. 4, and the second tied the game 5–5 against the New York Mets on Tuesday.
DID SOMEONE ORDER SOME BADER TOTS?! pic.twitter.com/FbMFINkSTh
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 5, 2025
Since making his Phillies debut on Aug. 1, Bader has posted an impressive slash line of .296/.378/.465 over 71 at-bats. His season-long batting average, split between the Minnesota Twins and Phillies, has risen from .258 to .266, and his on-base percentage has improved from .339 to .347.
Since Aug. 16, Bader is slashing .390/.447/.585 in 47 plate appearances. Over his last seven games, he has been on fire, slashing .429/.500/.762, highlighted by his 4-for-5 performance in the opening game series win on Friday over the Atlanta Braves. He's easily leading the team with 244 wRC+ and 0.5 fWAR over that stretch.
Harrison Bader's all around play should give him an everyday role in the Phillies lineup
Thanks to his hot bat and dependable glove, Bader has, in the eyes of many fans, earned an everyday spot in the lineup. However, questions remain on if he will continue to platoon or earn that everyday role, especially after he was left out of the lineup on Friday following that 4-for-5 game. He should see an everyday role for such strong play particularly in an outfield that has struggled for much of the 2025 season.
Harrison Bader made this home run robbery look so casual! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/rTMvhvDOXY
— MLB (@MLB) August 10, 2025
Beyond his offensive contributions, Bader brings elite defense as a former Gold Glove winner, along with plus speed on the base paths. He’s also shown versatility in the batting order, giving the Phillies lineup flexibility and balance wherever needed.
With his current level of play, you have to wonder about Bader’s future in Philadelphia. Set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see interest from both sides in picking up his mutual option for 2026. Or, perhaps mutual interest in an extension, especially if he continues to produce at this pace. Bader has seen the benefits of his new environment, particularly in Philadelphia compared to other teams he has played for in his career.