Recently place on waivers, this outfielder would fit perfectly with this National League team
After releasing third baseman Josh Donaldson, the New York Yankees also placed outfielder Harrison Bader on waivers, making him eligible for the postseason if he is claimed by another team.
The 29-year-old outfielder became aware of the decision in the clubhouse on Tuesday, when he saw it on ESPN10 minutes before the Yankees' game against the Detroit Tigers.
Acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals at the trade deadline last season for pitcher Jordan Montgomery, the Bronxville, New York, native quickly became a fan favorite after his hot stretch during the 2022 postseason.
In nine games during that postseason run, Bader slashed .333/.429/.833 with five home runs and six RBI while playing his usual excellent defense in center field.
Missing the first month of the 2023 season with an injury, Bader had a great month of May, slashing .267/.295/.511 with six home runs and 19 RBI in 26 games.
Since then, it has been all downhill for the outfielder. In 57 games played since May, he is slashing .226/.267/.297 with one home run and 18 RBI , which led to his being waived.
Despite this slide, there is one National League team that comes to mind where Bader can help in the push to the playoffs and that's with the Chicago Cubs.
With an outfield consisting of Cody Bellinger, Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki, the Cubs also have outfielder Mike Tauchman giving them solid production as the fourth outfielder.
So why would the Cubs want a struggling Bader?
Even with his poor season, Bader has been able to do something most Cubs outfielders can't: Crush left-handed pitching. He is posting a .348/.389/.697 slash line with four home runs and 15 RBI in 66 at-bats against lefties in 2023.
With Bellinger and Suzuki the only two serviceable hitters against southpaws, Bader could provide the Cubs with a late-game defensive replacement who could start when the Cubs face a lefty.
After spending his five-and-a-half years as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, Bader has plenty of experience against the teams the Cubs will be fighting for a playoff spot and brings energy each time he is on the field.
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