Harrison Bader will not be returning to Philadelphia in 2026, but playing for the Phillies in front of their fans was a truly unique experience, one he described as among the best of his career. Bader spoke openly about how impressed he was by the fanbase.
“Probably some of the best baseball I’ve ever been a part of. That was the most incredible fanbase that I’ve ever had the opportunity to play in front of…” Bader said on The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman.
It wasn’t just the on-field experience that stood out to Bader. He also pointed to the atmosphere inside the clubhouse during the couple of months he spent with the Phillies. “Harper, Realmuto, Turner, Schwarber—those are the guys you have so much respect for… they sit at a different table in the major leagues,” Bader added.
The Phillies didn’t give Bader what he was asking for
As had been rumored, Bader was looking for more playing time. In his conversation with Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman, the former Phillie made that clear. “I’ve always wanted to play as many games as possible, get as many at-bats as I can, and be on a winning team. The Giants couldn’t be a more perfect fit for me,” Bader said. He is expected to be San Francisco’s starting center fielder.
Bader also said he is excited about the opportunity to play alongside Matt Chapman and other Giants stars. He added that he is already familiar with several players around the league, including Willy Adames and Rafael Devers, and described the Giants’ front office as offering a “fresh start.”
A productive and affordable player, Bader is in a strong position at this stage of his career. He was highly productive for the Phillies last season while playing on a relatively modest salary, and there was an expectation the club could bring him back at around $10 million per year. Ultimately, that reunion never materialized.