Bader signs with Twins on 1-year deal with mutual option for '26

February 7th, 2025
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      The Twins moved to fill another of their needs, signing a deal with free-agent outfielder , the team announced on Friday. It was the second addition of the week and the second Major League signing of the offseason for Minnesota, which also announced a deal with reliever Danny Coulombe on Friday.

      Bader's deal, which is for one year and includes a mutual option for 2026, is worth a guaranteed $6.25 million plus up to $2 million in bonuses, according to a source.

      Bader, 30, provides value in a couple of ways for Minnesota. He’s a plus defensive outfielder who is still capable in center field, offering depth in case of injury to Byron Buxton as well as occasional breathers for Buxton. He’s also a right-handed hitter, providing balance for a Twins outfield that aside from Buxton tilts heavily to the left side.

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      Bader posted a .236/.284/.373 batting line with the Mets in 2024, playing a career-high 143 games, including 140 in center field. He hit 12 homers and stole 17 bases in 25 attempts. For his career, he’s a .242/.306/.392 hitter.

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      The club’s 40-man roster was full before either move. The Twins cleared up a spot for Coulombe when they traded utility player Michael Helman to the Cardinals for cash on Thursday. To make room for Bader, they designated right-hander Ronny Henriquez for assignment. Henriquez went 1-1 with a 3.26 ERA in 19 1/3 innings for Minnesota in 2024.

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      Matthew Leach covers the Twins for MLB.com. He previously covered the Cardinals from 2002-2011.