MLB Trade Rumors: Mets Gold Glove Outfielder Becoming Trade Candidate

As the MLB trade deadline nears in the coming months, Harrison Bader of the New York Mets has positioned himself as a potential highly sought-after trade candidate.

Since arriving at the Mets, Bader has not only met but exceeded the expectations set for him, especially with his defensive contributions. He stands out as one of the elite outfield defenders in the league, consistently ranking in the 95th percentile in Outs Above Average (OAA).

His prowess in center field is complemented by a notable offensive performance this season, boasting a .279 batting average with a .329 on-base percentage and a .361 slugging percentage, along with two home runs and 16 RBIs.

"Bader gets his best revenge!"

Harrison Bader takes Triston McKenzie deep! pic.twitter.com/NVUX4X1Fr3

— SNY (@SNYtv) May 22, 2024

Bader's versatility extends to the base paths, where he has secured eight stolen bases and demonstrated clutch hitting in critical game moments.

This combination of elite defense, reliable offensive production, and timely playmaking makes him an attractive asset for teams eyeing postseason contention.

Home run robbery from Harrison Bader: pic.twitter.com/gDj6VG9a3b

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) May 26, 2024

The Mets signed Bader to a one-year, $10.5M contract this past offseason.

With the Mets potentially shifting toward a selling strategy due to underwhelming season performance, Bader's manageable contract and his dual-threat capability make him a prime candidate for teams looking to strengthen their outfield.

Over his eight-year career, the 29-year-old holds a .245/.312/.393 triple-slash line, with 61 home runs, 233 RBIs, 85 stolen bases, and 290 runs scored across 680 games played.

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports