Career Timeline of Harrison Bader: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Harrison Bader, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Harrison Bader, nicknamed "Tots", is a professional baseball center fielder currently playing for the Minnesota Twins in MLB. He previously played for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, and New York Mets. Bader is an American athlete known for his defensive skills and speed.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1985: First Inside-the-Park Home Run Since 1985

On May 10, 2022, Harrison Bader hit an inside-the-park home run, marking the first by a Cardinal since Vince Coleman in 1985, showcasing a rare feat.

2015: All-Tournament Team in College World Series

In 2015, Harrison Bader was named to the All-Tournament Team in the 2015 College World Series after batting .348 in five games, showcasing his talent on a national stage. He was also named a second-team All-American by Perfect Game, and a third-team All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA).

2015: Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals

In 2015, Harrison Bader was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the third round of the MLB draft, marking a significant step in his professional baseball career.

2015: Professional Debut and All-Star Recognition

In 2015, after being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, Harrison Bader made his professional debut with the State College Spikes and was later promoted to the Peoria Chiefs. He earned recognition as the MWL Player of the Week and was named an MiLB Organization All-Star, marking a successful start to his professional career.

April 2016: Hit Streak Nears Club Record

In April 2016, Harrison Bader had a notable hit streak that came close to tying the Springfield Cardinals club record, demonstrating his consistent performance early in the season.

July 6, 2016: Promoted to Class AAA Memphis Redbirds

On July 6, 2016, Harrison Bader was promoted to the Class AAA Memphis Redbirds, advancing further in the St. Louis Cardinals' minor league system.

July 25, 2017: Promoted to Major Leagues

On July 25, 2017, Harrison Bader was promoted to the major leagues by the Cardinals and recorded his first MLB hit, a double, and scored the winning run against the Colorado Rockies, marking a successful debut.

September 1, 2017: First MLB Home Run

On September 1, 2017, Harrison Bader hit his first major league home run against Johnny Cueto of the San Francisco Giants, contributing to an 11-6 win for the Cardinals.

2017: MLB Debut with the Cardinals

In 2017, Harrison Bader made his Major League Baseball debut with the St. Louis Cardinals, marking his entry into the highest level of professional baseball.

2018: Rookie Campaign Success

In 2018, Harrison Bader finished his rookie campaign with a .264 batting average, 12 home runs, 37 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases. He showcased his defensive prowess with 19 Defensive Runs Saved, leading the major leagues in 5-star catches and Outs Above Average.

2018: Starting Center Fielder

In 2018, Harrison Bader transitioned from being the fourth outfielder to becoming the starting center fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals after Tommy Pham's trade.

2019: Season Fluctuations and Return to MLB

In 2019, Harrison Bader began as St. Louis' starting center fielder but was later demoted to Memphis due to struggles at the plate. He was recalled to St. Louis on August 20 and made an immediate impact with a triple and two runs in his first game back.

2019: Regular Season Performance

In 2019, Harrison Bader finished the regular season with a .205 batting average, 12 home runs, 39 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases over 128 games, while being among the major league leaders in home runs, stolen bases, and hit by pitches.

2019: Defensive Acclaim and Gold Glove Nomination

In 2019, Harrison Bader led National League outfielders with four double plays, earning him recognition as the "Best Defensive Outfielder" in Baseball America's survey and a nomination for a Rawlings Gold Glove.

2020: Starting Center Fielder in Shortened Season

In the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Harrison Bader returned as the starting center fielder, achieving a .226/.336/.443 slash line with notable defensive stats.

2021: Season Statistics and Performance

In 2021, Harrison Bader completed the season with 367 at-bats over 103 games, achieving a .267/.324/.460 slash line, showcasing his abilities on both offense and defense.

April 3, 2022: Contract Agreement with Cardinals

On April 3, 2022, Harrison Bader and the Cardinals agreed to a two-year, $10.4 million contract to avoid arbitration, securing his place with the team.

August 2, 2022: Traded to the New York Yankees

On August 2, 2022, Harrison Bader was traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to the New York Yankees for pitcher Jordan Montgomery and cash considerations. Bader was on the injured list at the time of the trade.

2022: First Yankees Home Run in ALDS

In 2022, Bader hit his first New York Yankees home run in Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians. He had a strong performance, hitting three home runs in the first four games of the series, matching Yankee legends. He later hit a fourth postseason home run in the ALCS game 1.

2022: Traded to the Yankees

In 2022, Harrison Bader was traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the New York Yankees, marking a change in his MLB career.

August 31, 2023: Claimed off Waivers by Cincinnati Reds

On August 31, 2023, Harrison Bader was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds. He later missed the last two weeks of the season due to a sports hernia and right adductor muscle strain, requiring surgery on September 29. He became a free agent after the season.

2023: Return from Injury and Hot Streak

In 2023, Harrison Bader missed the beginning of the season due to injury. His first game back was on May 2 against the Cleveland Guardians, after which he hit safely in four of five games. He continued his hot streak against the Tampa Bay Rays, hitting two home runs with 7 RBIs.

2023: Performance and Waiver Placement

In 2023, Harrison Bader played 84 games for the New York Yankees, batting .240 with 7 home runs and 17 stolen bases. His defensive range was notable. On August 29, 2023, the Yankees placed him on waivers.

2023: Claimed by the Reds

In 2023, Harrison Bader was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds, adding another team to his MLB journey.

January 5, 2024: Signed with New York Mets

On January 5, 2024, Harrison Bader signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the New York Mets. The Mets' manager indicated that Bader would play center field when he is in a game.