The MLB offseason has slowed down quite a bit in recent weeks, but the rumors have been picking up surrounding the Philadelphia Phillies.
After yet another year of postseason disappointment in 2025, fans were hoping to see the franchise get aggressive during the offseason. So far, that hasn’t been the case.
While the Phillies did re-sign Kyle Schwarber to a lucrative five-year, $150 million free agent deal, they haven’t made many moves past that. Brad Keller was signed to help bolster the bullpen and Adolis Garcia was brought in to add outfield depth. However, it appears that the team will lose key outfielder Harrison Bader.
Bader has now received a new prediction. SNY’s Anthony McCarron has dropped a brutal prediction for Philadelphia, as he sees Bader signing with the NL East rival New York Mets.
“The Mets also sign free agent outfielder Harrison Bader, who certainly fits. He’s a spectacular defender and this is the Met winter of, well, you know,” McCarron wrote.
“Bader can play center field while the Mets see if prospect Carson Benge really is ready to take over a big league gig. If Benge earns a job, Bader could play some left field, be a defensive replacement, and a righty bench bat. He had career-bests in homers and OPS last season.”
Harrison Bader Was a Key Piece for the Philadelphia Phillies
After starting off the 2025 MLB season with the Minnesota Twins, Bader was acquired by Philadelphia ahead of the trade deadline. What he brought to the Phillies was extremely valuable and he quickly became a fan favorite.
In the 50 games he played for Philadelphia, Bader hit five home runs, drove in 16 RBI, and produced a slash line of .305/.361/.463.
Heading into the offseason, fans were hoping to see the Phillies bring Bader back. That ship seems likely to have sailed already. Seeing him end up with the Mets would be painful.
Bader may not be a “star” in Major League Baseball, but he is the kind of glue player that every hopeful contender needs to have on the roster. He can impact the game in many different ways, both at the plate and in the outfield.
What Are the Phillies Looking to Do This Offseason?
Fans have grown frustrated with the lack of aggressiveness from Philadelphia this offseason. Despite the frustration, there is still time for the Phillies to make something happen.
Recently, the rumors connecting Philadelphia to Toronto Blue Jays free agent shortstop Bo Bichette have grown very loud. At this point in the process, the Phillies appear to be the favorite to land him.
Bichette would be an excellent addition for the team, although his signing would almost certainly mean that Philadelphia would have to part ways with veteran catcher J.T. Realmuto.
Would a Bichette signing be enough to increase the Phillies’ World Series chances this season compared to last? That remains to be seen, but he would be a potential long-term addition as a cornerstone piece of the franchise.
Expect to see Bader leave Philadelphia when all is said and done, but Bichette may be on his way into town at the same time.
Phillies Lose Key Player to Hated Rival in Brutal New Prediction