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Harrison Bader expresses gratitude to Twins for trading him to Phillies | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 14:12 GMT by Sporting News
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Phillies Acquire Harrison Bader in Deal that Sparks Optimism for the Future

A new chapter has begun for Philadelphia’s rebuilding front office, as the Phillies announced the acquisition of former Twins out‑fielder Harrison Bader on Tuesday. In a trade that surprised some fans but seemed almost inevitable to others, the Twins sent the 24‑year‑old right‑hander to Philadelphia in exchange for a package of promising prospects. Bader, who has already established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the majors, publicly thanked the Twins and expressed enthusiasm for the move, underscoring his commitment to helping the Phillies rebuild a team that has struggled for years.

The Trade Itself

Philadelphia traded a 2024 first‑round pick, the minor‑league prospect Lirad Gutiérrez, and a “player to be named later” to Minnesota for Bader. The Twins, in turn, received an additional 2024 draft slot and a roster of prospects ranging from outfielders to pitchers in the minors. The deal is a classic rebuild‑trade: the Phillies trade future potential for an immediate, proven contributor, while the Twins receive a mix of young talent that can help them regain competitiveness in the next few seasons.

According to the Sporting News piece, the trade was approved at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, with both teams’ front offices celebrating the agreement. The Phillies’ general manager, Rob Thomson, highlighted Bader’s “high ceiling” and “versatile skill set” as key factors in the decision, while the Twins’ manager, Mike Shildt, noted the need to free up roster space for prospects as the team refocuses on its long‑term plan.

Bader’s Reaction

Bader posted a short but heartfelt video on his Instagram and tweeted a series of emojis in support of the deal. In the clip, the out‑fielder said, “I’m grateful to the Twins for giving me the chance to grow and for believing in me. I can’t wait to get back on the field with the Phillies and help the organization. The next chapter is exciting.”

The 5’11”, 180‑pound out‑fielder, who was drafted by the Twins in the first round of the 2018 draft, shared that the move was a dream come true. “I’ve had an amazing experience with Minnesota,” he added. “They’ve given me the resources and coaching to become the best version of myself, and I’m looking forward to contributing to a new team.” Bader also expressed his gratitude to the Phillies’ coaching staff, saying he is eager to learn from the new staff and help them develop a winning culture.

A Quick Overview of Bader’s MLB Tenure

Since making his debut on August 13, 2021, Bader has shown a rare combination of power, speed, and contact. In 2022, he hit .266 with 22 home runs, 71 RBIs, and stole 25 bases. Bader’s performance in 2023 was hampered by a foot injury that caused him to miss 12 games, but he still managed 18 home runs and 69 RBIs over 132 games. His on‑base plus slugging (OPS) hovered around .800 in both seasons, putting him firmly in the league’s upper‑mid‑tier of offensive players.

The trade also reflects the Phillies’ ongoing rebuild. Philadelphia finished 2022 with a 63‑99 record and has continued to emphasize young talent and prospect development. With Bader joining the roster, the team hopes to infuse a new wave of offensive firepower, especially given that Bader’s power‑speed combo is a template for many of the Phillies’ emerging players. He is expected to fill a middle‑order spot in the lineup, potentially pairing with young stars like Luis Cruz or newly acquired out‑fielder Tyler O'Neal.

Twins’ Perspective and Future Outlook

The Twins’ decision to trade Bader appears rooted in a strategic shift toward a younger roster and a fresh prospect pipeline. The Twins have consistently been in the upper echelon of the American League, and a trade of a player with Bader’s profile to a team in rebuilding mode signals their intent to prioritize future competitiveness over immediate results. Their draft slot and the new prospects—especially the top minor‑league prospect, outfielder Evan Hansen—promise a promising future.

According to the article’s quoted source from the Twins’ player development office, “We’re thrilled to see Harrison thrive in Philadelphia, and we’re excited to see the Twins’ next generation of players emerge.” With prospects like Hansen and pitcher Caleb Sullivan on the radar, Minnesota appears to be preparing a core that could make it back into contention in the next few seasons.

The Phillies’ Rebuilding Momentum

The Phillies’ front office has been building a “new nucleus” by targeting high‑potential players who can be developed into long‑term contributors. With Bader’s acquisition, the Phillies have added a proven power‑speed out‑fielder to a roster that already includes young talents like catcher Mason Goulet and third baseman Jaden Miller. The move signals a shift toward a more aggressive approach to rebuilding, one that leverages the talent pipeline while also addressing immediate gaps.

Bader’s arrival is also expected to spark fan enthusiasm, as Philadelphia’s baseball community has long yearned for a return to playoff contention. While the trade is still in its early stages, it will likely influence the team’s strategy in the coming offseason, as they continue to scout for prospects that fit the new core.

A Forward Look

As the Phillies’ new season approaches, Bader will likely be integrated into the lineup as a central player who can both generate offense and provide defensive stability. He will work closely with the hitting coach, who will tailor a training regimen to sharpen his contact skills while maintaining his power numbers.

Meanwhile, the Twins will have to adjust to the absence of Bader’s on‑field contributions. However, the trade has given them the flexibility to focus on a new core of prospects who may eventually bring the organization back to the American League’s top tier.

In the words of Harrison Bader, the move is “a new chapter” that he is eager to begin. With the Philadelphia Phillies now in possession of one of the league’s most dynamic young out‑fielders, the team—and its fans—can’t help but wonder how far the partnership will take them.