Predicting where these 5 remaining NY Mets free agents will sign

5) Harrison Bader

The Mets signed Harrison Bader to shore up their center field defense in 2024. Mets center fielders graded out poorly in 2023 with -12 DRS (4th fewest in baseball) and -1 OAA (2nd fewest in baseball). Although Bader didn’t hit much, as expected, his defense was as good as advertised, as he provided strong glovework up the middle.

Bader hit just .236/.284/.373 with a .285 wOBA and 85 wRC+ across 437 plate appearances. He had an above-average 21.7% strikeout rate but put up a walk rate below 5% at 4.8%. Bader provided some value on the basepaths and in the power department, as he swiped 17 bags and swatted a dozen home runs.

Defensive runs saved did not like his glovework in center field with -2. But he had +10 outs above average, the fourth time he’s reached double-digits in OAA. UZR/150 also put Bader’s defense in a positive light at +2.2. He still has a strong arm and, was in the 86th percentile of arm strength, and was top 20 in feet covered in his jump. 

Bader will likely be viewed for a similar role in 2025: a part-time defensive-first center fielder. The San Francisco Giants seem like a potential fit. Their center fielders combined for -24 DRS, a -12.1 UZR/150, and -12 OAA, all three of which were the worst in the league. Bader could also help ease Jung Hoo Lee back into action after dislocating his shoulder and missing most of the 2024 season.