Among all the offseason moves made by the New York Mets, the decision to sign Harrison Bader for $10.5 million seemed like the most excessive. Despite Bader’s reputation as a frequently injured outfielder with an outstanding glove but a questionable bat, the price appeared steep given his history.
However, two months into the season, Bader has proven his worth. He has become one of the most consistent and clutch hitters on the Mets, maintaining his Gold Glove-level defense while also contending for the team’s batting title. Heading into the doubleheader against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Bader is hitting .279/.329/.361 with 2 home runs and 16 RBIs. Fresh off a clutch 3-RBI game on Sunday, he aims to keep his momentum going.
During the offseason, there was much speculation about who the Mets would sign to fill their outfield vacancies. Did they choose the right player? Comparing Bader to some alternatives suggests they did.
Adam Duvall
Adam Duvall was a popular choice for the Mets’ outfield, either in center or left field. However, Duvall rejoined the Atlanta Braves for just $3 million.
Although significantly cheaper than Bader, Duvall’s performance has reflected his price tag. He has been platooning with former Mets prospect Jarred Kelenic, which has shielded Kelenic from facing left-handed pitchers but hasn’t benefited Duvall much.
Duvall is batting .209/.303/.407 in 99 plate appearances for Atlanta, with 5 home runs and 13 RBIs, two of those home runs coming in the last two games.
With Ronald Acuña Jr. out for the season, Duvall is expected to see more playing time in right field. His versatility makes him a top candidate for increased starts, but it’s uncertain whether this will help him match Bader’s performance.
Michael A. Taylor
The most direct comparison to Bader was free agent Michael A. Taylor, whom the Mets reportedly showed interest in. Known for his low batting average but Gold Glove-winning defense, Taylor distinguished himself with the power he displayed in 2023 with the Minnesota Twins, hitting 21 home runs despite a .220/.278/.442 slash line. However, he signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates for $4 million, and it seems the Mets were right to pursue other options.
Now, with 134 plate appearances into his season, Taylor is batting .208/.258/.267 with just one home run. He has driven in 9 runs and stolen 3 bases. Even at such an affordable rate, these numbers would be unacceptable if he were with the Mets.
While Taylor’s offensive output has declined, his defense remains excellent, though it does little to make up for his poor batting performance. When your OBP and slugging percentage resemble a batting average, it signals trouble.
It’s clear the Mets made the right decision to pass on Taylor in free agency. His power surge last year likely had more to do with the ballpark than an improvement in his skills. Striking out in 35.8% of his plate appearances, Taylor is a strikeout machine without the power to compensate.
Kevin Kiermaier
The Mets likely never had a real chance to sign Kevin Kiermaier, who has built a solid career and represents the peak Bader aspires to reach. It’s not uncommon for Kiermaier to have seasons with a batting average below .230 and an OBP slightly under .300. Signed by the Toronto Blue Jays for the same amount Bader got from the Mets, Kiermaier probably preferred to stay with a familiar team, leaving David Stearns without a real opportunity to make an offer.
Fortunately for the Mets, Kiermaier is showing his age. Now 34, he’s having one of those lower-end seasons he’s known for from his decade with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Kiermaier has made 101 plate appearances, hitting one home run and driving in 7 runs. His .226/.280/.344 slash line is similar to Taylor’s. Considering Kiermaier costs more than twice as much, the choice between the two is clear.
As is typical, Kiermaier has already been placed on the IL once this season. For a well-known player who debuted in 2013 to have only one season with over 130 games by 2024 is quite an achievement. The Mets have been fortunate with Bader, who has managed to stay available.
