While the Dodgers are widely expected to focus their trade deadline on pursuing high-leverage help in the bullpen, they could also stand to add another bat given the paltry production they’ve received from Michael Conforto (79 wRC+) in left field. They’ve previously been connected to Cardinals super utility man Brendan Donovan, and this morning USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that Los Angeles has interest in another outfield option: Harrison Bader of the Twins.
Bader, 31, has enjoyed his strongest offensive season in years after signing in Minnesota on a one-year deal this past offseason. He’s slashed a strong .250/.332/.435 (115 wRC+) in 92 games for the Twins this year with 12 home runs, nine stolen bases, and excellent outfield defense. The gifted defender has typically been deployed in center field throughout his career, but has primarily played left field this year in deference to Twins franchise face Byron Buxton, an elite center fielder in his own right. Andy Pages is currently patrolling center field for the Dodgers and is performing well on both offense (126 wRC+) and defense, but Bader’s elite glove could push Pages into a corner and Conforto to the bench if acquired.
The addition of Bader would help bolster a rare weak spot in the Dodgers’ daunting lineup. For all the club’s star power and overall offensive ability, its outfield is pedestrian overall. Dodgers outfielders have posted a combined wRC+ of 102 this year (12th in the majors), with 3.3 fWAR (16th in the majors). Adding Bader’s excellent glove and solid bat to the mix would go a long way to help make up for the offensive malaise key contributors like Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernandez, and more recently Freddie Freeman have found themselves in at various points in the season.
Of course, Bader is far from the only player who could theoretically be an upgrade for the Dodgers in the outfield. As previously mentioned, they’ve already been connected to Donovan. A number of other intriguing outfielders are expected to be available this summer as well, including Ramon Laureano of the Orioles, Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox, and Jesus Sanchez of the Marlins. Laureano and Robert (as well as Bader himself) would be particularly strong fits given that their right-handed bats can serve as a solid complement to the lefty Conforto, although even a left-handed outfielder like Sanchez or Mike Tauchman of the White Sox would offer a boost to the club’s production on the grass.
As for Bader, the Dodgers are the first team he’s been explicitly connected to but Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reported yesterday that he’s expected to have a “solid market” this summer as the Twins dangle their rental pieces. Teams like the Phillies, Padres, and Royals are in clear need of outfield help, and perhaps even clubs like the Yankees, Reds and Blue Jays with heavily left-handed outfield options could use another right-handed complement to those existing players as well.
Makes some sense, they would likely just platoon him with Conforto.
They need to release Conforto.
Conforto should be DFA’d.
Why platoon? Baders been better than MC vs LH and RH.
Because they are a smart franchise. I’ve been screaming his name since Buxton said he wouldn’t waive his NT. Plays all 3 OF spots at a well above average clip, reasonable salary, still young. Even platoon splits this year but positive OPS+ vs. LHP for his career. Perfect 4th OF’er for a WS hopeful and can be retained for 2026.
It is a mutual option, and not a team option so Bader is a pure rental.
Master Bader would be an improvement over Conforto and Outman for sure
Everyone knew conforto was not a good use of money. Boras built him up and the dodgers were suckered. It confuses me why so called savvy business people continue to get played by the boras propaganda machine. You’d think they’d learn by now. But when there is so much money in the game, on the backs of the fans who pay for it, these so called savvy business people have no concern about being suckered. What a stupid business model.
Dodgers want everybody! Why don’t they just use A-I to insert Babe Ruth to have 3 at bats every inning, be allowed to have 4 outfielders, 5 infielders, unlimited mound visits and pitching changes. Plus let them spend twice as much as any other team..Oh wait a minute, they already do that!
You ok?
Bit confusing. Now, that Conforto seems to be coming out of his slump, it is time to replace him? Dodgers need pitching!
Note, the rumor is about an addition, not a replacement. If anyone is replaced, Outman is obviously at the top of the list.
They will get pitching.
Best bet for the Dodgers, cut Conforto. Move Teoscar Hernandez who is horrendous in RF to LF, put Pages in RF, which is his best spot. Bader plays CF vs. all lefties, with Outman mixing in a bit vs. righties.
The Dodgers defense has been disappointing this season and they need to tighten it up if they want to avoid their usual early playoff exit.
a team that has been to the world series four times in the last eight seasons has a “usual early playoff exit?”
Outman hasn’t had a hit in two years it seems
Hey, be fair… his last base hit was on July 7 of this year. So it’s been only three weeks! Funny though how the great baseball knowledge here believes the real outfield problem is Conforto.
Bob Nightengale said it, so it must be true.
Anyway, Conforto, who has been much better lately, is going to get hot in August..
Twins should get Ruiz, he would be nice in the Twins lineup.
The Dodgers will stick with Conforto whether or not they trade for another outfielder. If it happens, and especially if he’s a RHB, Outman is either traded or gets his ticket back to OKC.
They need A SS, that would fix the OF with Mookie back in RF and Teo In LF! Make a push with some top prospects Hope, Freeland, Sirota, Ferris and add May, and get Wilson and Miller from the A’S
Lux?
I don’t think Bader is that much of an improvement, unless Kike’ or someone is hurt worse than they are letting on. Of course this could just be start of this year’s version of the Rosario-Biggio-Ahmed merry-go-round.
Bader is going to be a nice pickup for a contender. Having a great year offensively and can play all three outfield positions well.
The outfield bat need is satisfied if you move Mookie back to right and Teo to left. Mookie hasnt been impressive at SS on defense or offense. A move back to right greatly improves the defense. We won with Mookie in R and Teo in L, and Mookie REALLY needs a wakeup call.