Do the New York Mets still need an outfielder? After trading for centerfielder Luis Robert Jr., it seems as if the Mets outfield is shaping up to be Juan Soto in right field, Robert Jr. in center, and then either Carson Benge or Brett Baty in left. Tyrone Taylor will serve as the backup role for all three spots, and New York is still deciding on how Baty will be used in 2026.
Before the offseason began, the Mets placed a strong emphasis on adding an outfielder, and that need grew stronger when Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil were traded. The Mets have had a solid offseason, but have missed out on the top three free agent outfielders. Kyle Tucker signed with the Dodgers, Cody Bellinger signed with the Yankees, and on Monday, Harrison Bader made his decision to sign with the San Francisco Giants.
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Mets Free Agent Target Harrison Bader Inks Deal With Giants
Harrison Bader had been a free agent target for the New York Mets after posting a strong 2025 season with the Twins and Philadelphia Phillies.
Bader hit .277 in 2025 with 17 home runs, 54 RBIs, and an OPS of .796. Being that it was a contract season for Bader in 2025, he really proved his worth.
The Mets are very familiar with Harrison Bader, as he spent the 2024 season with the Mets, but wasn’t as successful in that campaign. In 143 games with the Mets, Bader hit .236 with 12 home runs. Bader’s value had always come from his defensive efforts, but he struck this two-year extension because of what he did with the bat in 2025.
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In his nine-year career, Bader is a .247 hitter with 88 home runs, and a career OPS+ 0f 96. He will provide versatility in the Giants’ outfield and likely play center to help cover the large field at Oracle Park.
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Are the Mets Done Adding This Offseason?
The New York Mets have had a solid offseason and certainly have been one of the more active teams in MLB in terms of making roster moves, but are they done adding this offseason?
David Stearns has acquired Luis Robert Jr., Bo Bichette, and Freddy Peralta in the last week and a half, but New York still could use another bullpen arm and maybe a low-cost starter.
While the expectation is that the big splashes are over, you never know with David Stearns and Steve Cohen being the ones in charge.
There is under a month remaining until MLB spring training, and the Mets roster looks like one of the better ones in the National League, but the Mets front office staff understands they are competing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who could make a splash at any moment.
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