Harrison Bader wanted an opportunity to play and he wanted to be on a competitive team. That's why the outfielder took his time finding a home in free agency, and ultimately, why he ended up signing with the Minnesota Twins.

Alternatives to Bader There were other free agents with more offense-focused skill sets from the right side of the plate whom the Twins could have targeted. Austin Hays, Ramón Laureano, and Randal Grichuk signed for less than Bader and are true lefty mashers. But the Twins opted to go with the defensive profile, despite almost no offensive upside.

The Twins moved to fill another of their needs, signing a deal with free-agent outfielder Harrison Bader, the team announced on Friday. It was the second addition of the week and the second Major League signing of the offseason for Minnesota,

Harrison Bader’s earnings with the Minnesota Twins could increase by $1.5 million to $7.75 million if the former Gold Glove center fielder plays regularly this season

Speed: He has consistently demonstrated above-average speed, contributing both in the outfield and on the base paths. Bader's sprint speed last year, at 28.2 ft/sec, would've ranked fourth among all Twins behind Byron Buxton, Michael Helman and Austin Martin.

The Mets brought back Jesse Winker to add to a crowded outfield that also has newcomers Juan Soto and Jose Siri, in addition to Taylor and veterans Starling Marte and Brandon Nimmo. In the Twin Cities, he’ll provide depth behind injury-prone Byron Buxton and provide an extra right-handed bat available to the lineup.

Bader seems likely to fill the role that Manuel Margot had in 2024. Margot appeared in 129 games for the Twins last year, though he was only in the starting lineup for 70. He spent a bit of time in all three outfield positions,

MINNEAPOLIS — Harrison Bader’s earnings with the Minnesota Twins could increase by $1.5 million to $7.75 million if the former Gold Glove center fielder plays regularly this season.