Harrison Bader Phillies Trade Deadline Mets Killer

Harrison Bader declines 2026 option, enters free agency

Drew Smith
November 5, 2025
Phillies
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Harrison Bader officially declined his side of a $10 million mutual option for 2026, which makes him a free agent. The move was expected. Mutual options are unironically never mutual. They almost never picked up by both sides.

Harrison Bader declines 2026 option, enters free agency

The Phillies announced that Harrison Bader declined his mutual option for 2026 and will become a free agent. pic.twitter.com/ZSms4VRej3
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 5, 2025

Harrison Bader now hits the market after one of the best seasons of his career. He batted .277 with 17 home runs, 54 RBIs, a .796 OPS, and a 117 OPS+ between his time with the Twins and Phillies. After years of bouncing between teams and battling injuries, he finally looked like the complete player scouts once projected him to be.

Harrison Bader in Philly worked. In a short period of time, he impressed everyone, hitting .305 with an .824 OPS and giving the Phillies a much-needed a boost on both sides of the ball at the deadline. Unfortunately, his postseason ended early after a leg injury in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Dodgers kept him out for the rest of the series.

Harrison Bader, Welcome to Philadelphia! 🔔 pic.twitter.com/BO56VUQYqF
— MLB (@MLB) August 5, 2025

The challenge for the Phillies will be deciding how far they are willing to go in terms of years and money. Bader’s 2025 numbers were strong, but he hit just .239 with a .644 OPS from 2022 through 2024 with the Cardinals, Yankees, Reds, and Mets.

His injury history will also be a factor in negotiations.

If Harrison Bader signs elsewhere, the Phillies have options. Brandon Marsh (kill me) could take over in center field again, and Justin Crawford will be ready to compete for a roster spot next spring.

Either way, Harrison Bader’s decision to decline the option was the smart and expected move. He will test the market with plenty of interest from teams looking for a high-energy center fielder who can impact the game on both sides.