Part 7/13:
Harrison Bader and Moving Forward
A significant upcoming decision involves Harrison Bader, who turned down a $10 million mutual option with the Minnesota Twins after being with the Yankees. Roberts theorizes that Bader might command a multi-year deal in the $9-10 million range, serving as a bridge to younger prospects such as Carson Benc and Jet Williams, especially if the Mets prioritize defensive capability.
He contemplates the strategic value of Bader for the roster, suggesting that his defense—particularly late in games—could be critical. Roberts raises the question of whether the Mets will prioritize run prevention heavily enough, highlighting that much of their previous defensive struggles stemmed from decisions in starting rotation and injures rather than pure defense.