I thought this headline was a RandBalls joke at first. Bader can't hit. He is 30 years old......the Twins are not going to 'fix him." He will not be replacing Kepler's bat....which was average at best. He seems like a nice guy and his defense should be solid......but I don't see this as a move to improve the team.
In other words: "He is just fine....if we don't have to use him much. If we have to use him a lot.....we are in trouble."
We have 4-5 guys in the minors who can fit this description (but with potential UPSIDE,)(oh yeah...and for FREE.)
Similar glove as Michael A Taylor.....but a WEAKER hitter. Remember how this forum went after Taylor for his hitting? Hope I'm wrong.....but you can probably double that for Bader.....
Paddock hasn't been good for over 5 years now. Getting "further removed from Tommy John surgery" is hoping he can get BACK to his previous poor performances. He should be in the bull pen if he is able to get out of spring training with the Twins.
Bader will get a lot of playing time....just like Christian Vazquez gets a lot of playing time at the catcher position. The sad part is, Vazquez is the better hitter! (when looking at their positions)
1st base and DH are the two easiest positions to fill interally. Boston was looking for someone like Bryce Miller from Seattle in return? I would hope that Bailey Ober can eventually get to Bryce Miller level! So minimum giving up Bailey Ober for a "minimal defensive value" 1st baseman........pass!
And in 2026 he will be playing his "age 26 season." And in 2027 he will be playing his "age 27 season." But how old is he right now? (HINT.......24)
(Richie, I think there might be two of em that are a hoot at parties.....) :)
ESPN pay wall so I can't look at the article, but I would be more interested in who finished #1 and #2. Then, let's figure out what needs to change......to be able to finish #1......10 years from now!
Steer didn't have nearly the season last year that was expected (after a very promising 2023.) CES has been injured and not getting the at bats needed to make a good assesment in the majors (but he is only 25 years old.) But I agree with big dog......they were valuable assets at the time and basically were "wasted." :(