Harrison

Bader

Bader dropped a run-scoring single into left field off of Cole Ragans in the fifth inning that tied the score at 1-1. Unfortunately, that would be the extent of the Twins’ offense in the ballgame. The 30-year-old outfielder has secured a regular role with the Twins — even against right-handed pitching — and has started off the season strong, hitting .300/.323/.633 with three long balls and 10 RBI.

Through 2024, Bader averaged one homer every 36 plate appearances in his career. This season, he has three in 16 plate appearances. The two the last two days have both been three-run blasts. We wouldn’t suggest getting too excited, but since the hot start could lead to full-time at-bats for a spell and he’s a quality basestealer, he might offer some short-term mixed-league value.

Bader, who had entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning, made the most of his only plate appearance in the contest — crushing a 378-foot (98.9 mph EV) three-run shot off of Jordan Leasure that extended the Twins’ lead to 8-3. His first season with the Twins has gotten off to a nice start, hitting .250 (3-for-12) with a pair of long balls and five RBI.

The Twins have Julien DHing, Trevor Larnach playing left field and Harrison Bader sitting tonight. It makes for their best offensive lineup, at the cost of some outfield defense. They could have used Julien at second, Willi Castro in left and Larnach at DH instead, but that would have weakened the infield.

The White Sox are starting left-hander Martin Perez, which means we’re getting the first look at how the Twins will roll out their lineup against left-handed pitching. As one of the most platoon-heavy teams in baseball, the Twins will go with Harrison Bader in right field, Willi Castro in left field, and Mickey Gasper at second base.

That’s the case even though all three games have been against right-handers. Julien had a solid spring, hitting .281/.349/.456, but the Twins seem to be prioritizing defense in using Willi Castro at second base and Harrison Bader in left field. Julien at second and Castro in left seems like a better alignment against righties.

Bader was facing his old team, and seemed to have a good time doing it. He swatted a two-run homer off Sonny Gray, and also doubled in the ninth of Ryan Helsley. Bader can’t be counted on for many fantasy fireworks, but Thursday was a nice day, even in a loss.

It sounds like the Twins want to give Bader quite a bit of time in the outfield and not only against lefties. If so, there’s going to be fewer at-bats available for Willi Castro initially. Trevor Larnach and Matt Wallner are going to be lineup fixtures against righties, but they’ll probably do some DHing.

Bader was a non-factor with the bat in 2024 with a .234/.298/.373 slash, but he is still a quality defensive player. The 30-year-old will likely be in left against southpaws instead of Trevor Larnach, but it’s possible the Twins value Bader’s defense enough to make this a more even split than anticipated.

Bader joins the Twins after a subpar season with the Mets that saw him slash .234/.298/.373. He’s still a quality outfielder, and should be in the lineup against left-handed pitching while spelling all three starting outfielders on occasion.