Projecting a reasonable extension for Phillies' spark plug Harrison Bader

What could a reasonable extension look like for Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader? He has arguably been the club's best hitter over the past few weeks. Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson has used him to hit in the leadoff position regularly since Sept. 9 in place of the injured Trea Turner.

The team will experience turnover in its outfield group this winter and next offseason. Max Kepler will be a free agent after 2025, and Nick Castellanos will enter the final season of his five-year deal in 2026. The Phillies could offer Bader an extension this winter to prevent him from becoming a free agent.

Projecting a Phillies contract extension for outfielder Harrison Bader

The trade that the Phillies made with the Minnesota Twins to acquire Bader has worked to Philly's benefit recently. The franchise may have an interest in agreeing to an extension with him this winter, especially if he continues his good play for the remainder of the regular season and during the playoffs.

Bader agreed to a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the New York Mets in free agency before the 2024 season. He signed another one-year deal with the Twins as a free agent last winter for $6.25 million. The outfielder has a $10 million mutual option for 2026 that both he and the Phillies have to agree to exercise for the optional year to become guaranteed.

Thomson recently commented on how well Bader's addition has worked out for the Phillies (subscription required), per The Athletic's Matt Gelb.

"It’s doing a couple of things,” Thomson said, per Gelb. “I mean, [Bader’s] hot right now. So he’s getting on base. He’s swinging the bat. He plays good defense. And it gives other guys a day off. At this time of year, I think it’s beneficial to them. So, [the front office] did a nice job adding him.”

If the Phillies and Bader are both interested in the outfielder remaining with the organization beyond this season or 2026, they could agree to a multi-year deal. The contract could be for two years and $20 million, including up to $2.5 million in bonuses, and a player option after the two seasons. Another contract offer could be for one year and $12 million, including up to $2 million in bonuses and a player option for the following season.

Following the Phillies' comeback victory versus the Mets on Sept. 11 to secure a four-game sweep of their National League East rival, Bader spoke about playing for a team preparing to head to the postseason for a fourth consecutive season.

"It's [Philadelphia] just a great baseball city, so just to be a part of it, being dealt here in the middle of the season has been a blessing, honestly, and it's been a pleasure thus far, and I just want to make the most of it every single day," Bader said.

Bader has yet to agree to a contract as a free agent during his career that would keep him with an organization for multiple years. Considering how well he has done for the Phillies over the past few weeks, the club should be open to the idea of keeping him around for multiple seasons.

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