Harrison Bader retains $13 million in Giants outfield plan despite scooter crash
Baseball operations president Buster Posey confirmed the outfielder remains in the organization's plans for next season while a joint statement on his July accident is delayed.
By Justin Barnes ·
Harrison Bader is still owed $13 million for the 2027 season, a figure that anchors the San Francisco Giants' outfield strategy as they prepare for spring training.
Buster Posey, the Giants president of baseball operations, confirmed on Tuesday that Bader remains in the organization and in their plans for next season. This decision comes despite a late-night scooter crash in July that ended his first season in San Francisco with a broken foot.
The Giants and Major League Baseball are expected to release a joint statement following their investigation into the incident. However, Posey noted that a resolution is not immediate. A Giants official clarified that the statement will not arrive for at least a few weeks. Posey told reporters at the MLB general managers meetings at the ARIA Resort and Casino, “Something should be released,” adding, “Nothing real juicy, so not to get your hopes up.”
Bader signed a backloaded two-year, $20.5 million contract as a free agent last winter. The Giants suspended his pay for the remainder of last season following the crash. At the time of the accident, he had already missed extended time dealing with plantar fasciitis.
In the 30 games he played before the injury, Bader posted career lows in batting average at .170 and OPS at .571. He slugged five home runs, two of which were grand slams. Posey stated that Bader must perform well to secure playing time in a crowded outfield group of nine players on the 40-man roster.
The Giants plan to split center field time between Bader and Drew Gilbert. Bader bats right-handed, while Gilbert is a lefty with distinct platoon splits. Jonah Cox, a speedy right-handed hitter, provides another defensive option in center. Posey indicated the team will use matchup-based decisions to utilize younger players who are defensively advanced.
Casey Schmitt and Jung Hoo Lee are the likeliest candidates to start in left and right field, respectively. Victor Bericoto, Bo Davidson, Turner Hill, and Scott Bandura all made their major-league debuts last season and may also fit into the outfield picture. Posey described the situation as fluid, noting it depends on when owners and the players association agree on a new collective bargaining agreement.
