The Philadelphia Phillies roster looks to be set with their first spring training workout for pitchers and catchers scheduled for Feb. 11 in Clearwater, Florida. The club has been pushing back on the notion that they're "running it back" for another year. There are some changes, but the core of the team remains the same.
The position group that could benefit from another addition is the outfield. The best option remaining in free agency is Harrison Bader, who spent part of the 2025 season with the Phillies.
Re-signing Bader would make Phillies fans feel better about their outfield at the beginning of the regular season. A few organizations are looking to improve their outfield, so he'll likely be signing a new contract soon.
Reunion with Harrison Bader would strengthen the Phillies' outfield
MLB.com's Mark Feinsand recently brought up the Phillies as a possible landing spot for Bader.
"Bader is the best outfielder left on the market," Feinsand notes. "And a number of teams including the Mets, Diamondbacks and Cardinals need more help in that area. A reunion with the Phillies can’t be ruled out, though that seems like a long shot at this point."
In other words, Phillies fans shouldn't count on the franchise re-signing Bader. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski recently said that the club is content with the roster following the re-signing of J.T. Realmuto, per MLB.com's Paul Casella.
"I think we're content where we are at this point," Dombrowski said per Casella. " … When you look at where we are at this point, I feel great about our club going to Spring Training. I think we have a very good chance."
Bader would improve the Phillies' outfield depth, which will consist of prospect Justin Crawford, Brandon Marsh, Adolis García, and Otto Kemp. Johan Rojas and prospect Gabriel Rincones Jr. could also see playing time in reserve roles. Kyle Schwarber has seen his playing time in the outfield significantly reduced over the past two seasons as he transitioned to being the primary designated hitter.
Bader did well with the Phillies in the second half of last year. He had a .305/.361/.463 slash line with a .824 OPS, five home runs, and 16 RBIs in 50 games. The 31-year-old was successful in filling in as the leadoff hitter toward the end of the regular season when Trea Turner was on the IL.
Bader may still be looking for a contract similar to the deal outfielder Mike Yastrzemski agreed to with the Atlanta Braves. He signed a two-year, $23 million contract with a $7 million club option in 2028. If the Bronxville, New York, native doesn't receive a multi-year deal in free agency, the Phillies may re-sign him to a one-year contract.
Philadelphia's outfield is its biggest weakness. They'll be asking a lot from Crawford in his first season. Their plan to platoon Marsh and Kemp in left field raises concerns. It remains to be seen how good Kemp can be in his second season. Bringing back Bader would definitely improve their outfield with spring training a few weeks away.