The New York Yankees have gotten immense value from trade acquisition Harrison Bader over the past few days since returning from plantar fasciitis. Bader made his first appearance against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 20, contributing two hits and three RBIs to help them win 9–8 in a close contest.
However, the Yankees have won six consecutive games, five of which Bader has appeared, showcasing stellar defensive contributions and getting on base at a successful clip. Over the past five games, Bader is hitting .286 with a 35.3% on-base rate, including six RBIs, four hits, and two walks. He’s also stolen a base.
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The Yankees are getting extreme value out of Harrison Bader already:
The 28-year-old outfielder isn’t just contributing tangible results, he’s also showcasing leadership and spark, inspiring his team.
After the Yankees beat the Red Sox on Saturday afternoon, acquisitions Harrison Bader had some inspiring words about the team’s success:
I think some of the adversity we dealt with earlier in September/end of August, through those times teams come together. You battle for each other, you pick each other up and it just creates a different dynamic.
Bader said on Saturday.
The Yankees went through adversity in the month of August, especially after Bader was acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Jordan Montgomery. With Montgomery struggling lately, the trade seems to be even up to this point, but if Harrison can continue to perform consistently, especially during the playoffs, the Bombers may walk away with the better hand.
On the year, Bader is hitting .261 with a 30.7% on-base rate, including five homers and 27 RBIs. After stealing a base on Friday, Bader now has a career-high 16 stolen bases this season.
After posting 15 defensive runs saved above average in 2021, he has been neutral this year between both clubs.
However, with impeccable range and athleticism, the Yankees justified this trade with eyes toward the playoffs. Having already ramped up and provided significant value this week, manager Aaron Boone is incredibly optimistic about the outfield and its continuity.