The St. Louis Cardinals have made a splash this offseason, officially bringing back Harrison Bader to fill a key void in the right-handed outfield. The move was confirmed by team President of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom following the Cardinals’ Winter Warmup event.
Bader, 32, was originally drafted by St. Louis in 2015 and traded in 2022 for Jordan Montgomery. Known for his elite defense in center field, blazing speed, and all-around athleticism, Bader returns after posting a career-reviving 2025 season split between the Twins and Phillies. He finished with a .277/.347/.449 slash line, 17 home runs, 11 stolen bases, and +7 Outs Above Average over a career-high 146 games.
Bloom called Bader’s return a “perfect fit,” emphasizing that the veteran’s experience, defensive skill, and playmaking ability make him an immediate asset for the Cardinals’ roster.
With Adolis Garcia anchored in right field and top prospect Justin Crawford expected in center, adding Bader gives the team depth, flexibility, and a proven veteran presence to patrol the outfield and contribute in high-leverage situations.
Fans can expect Bader to make an instant impact, combining speed, defense, and leadership to strengthen St. Louis’ playoff push and provide a familiar face back in the Cardinal outfield.
