It’s amazing how things change from year to year in MLB.
Last year, it was unthinkable to see the New York Yankees waive a contributor and for the Cincinnati Reds to pick him up.
Of course, the Yanks were contenders and the Reds had one of their worst seasons in years in 2022.
However, the tables have turned this year: the Yankees have no realistic chances of making the postseason, and the Reds are fighting for a Wild Card spot and even the NL Central division.
And yes, the Yankees waived center fielder Harrison Bader to save some money, and the Reds picked him up.
“The Cincinnati Reds claimed outfielder Harrison Bader on waivers from the New York Yankees, sources tell ESPN,” MLB insider Jeff Passan tweeted.
The Cincinnati Reds claimed outfielder Harrison Bader on waivers from the New York Yankees, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 31, 2023
Bader came to the Yankees at the 2022 trade deadline, in a deal that sent Jordan Montgomery to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Fans have heavily criticized that trade because Montgomery is now one of the best pitchers in the American League (he was flipped to the Texas Rangers in the 2023 edition of the deadline) and Bader had a .643 OPS in 84 games this year in the Bronx.
Bader had his moments in New York: fans won’t forget the five home runs he hit in the 2022 postseason, or the highlight-reel catches he used to make in center field.
Defensively, he is a difference-maker and the Reds can benefit from that (especially their pitchers).
Offensively, he offers a bit of power, some speed, and not much else.
Still, he is not a bad player to have.
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