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 an American professional baseball center fielder currently playing for the Minnesota Twins in MLB. Previously, he played for the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, and New York Mets. Bader is recognized as a skilled defensive player known for his speed and athleticism in center field.

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 which was the first by a Cardinal since Vince Coleman in 1985.

1987: Best Zone Rating Since 1987

In 2019, Harrison Bader had a .956 zone rating, which was the highest by a Cardinals outfielder since the category was first tracked in 1987.

2000: Won Gold Glove Since 2000

In 2021, Harrison Bader won the Gold Glove Award in center field, and was the first Cardinals center fielder to win a Gold Glove since Jim Edmonds in 2000-05.

2003: Most Double Plays Since 2003

In 2019, Harrison Bader led National League outfielders with four double plays, the most by a Cardinals outfielder since Jim Edmonds had five in 2003.

2009: Most Hits Since 2009

In 2018, Harrison Bader recorded 100 hits which were the most since Colby Rasmus in 2009

2014: Most Stolen Bases Since 2014

In 2018, Harrison Bader's 15 stolen bases as a rookie were the most by a Cardinal since Kolten Wong in 2014.

2015: Professional Debut and All-Star Nod

In 2015, Harrison Bader was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, signed for $400,000, and made his professional debut with the State College Spikes. He was promoted to the Peoria Chiefs and named an MiLB Organization All-Star.

2015: Cardinals Draft Bader

In 2015, the Cardinals selected Bader in the third round of the MLB draft after he played college baseball at the University of Florida.

April 2016: Hit Streak with Springfield Cardinals

In April 2016, Harrison Bader had a hit streak that fell one game short of tying the Springfield Cardinals club record.

July 6, 2016: Promoted to Memphis Redbirds

On July 6, 2016, Harrison Bader was promoted to the Class AAA Memphis Redbirds.

July 25, 2017: MLB Promotion and Debut Hit

On July 25, 2017, Harrison Bader was promoted to the major leagues by the Cardinals. He recorded his first major league hit, a double, and scored the winning run against the Colorado Rockies that night.

September 1, 2017: First MLB Home Run

On September 1, 2017, Harrison Bader hit his first MLB home run off Johnny Cueto, leading the Cardinals to an 11–6 win over the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park.

2017: MLB Debut

In 2017, Harrison Bader made his MLB debut with the St. Louis Cardinals.

2017: Minor League Player of the Year

In 2017, Harrison Bader played with Memphis, earning recognition as the Cardinals' Minor League Player of the Year.

2018: Starting Center Fielder

In 2018, Harrison Bader became the starting center fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals after being promoted to the major leagues on April 3 and Tommy Pham being traded on July 31.

2018: Rookie Season

In 2018, Harrison Bader finished his rookie campaign batting .264 with 12 home runs, 37 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases in 138 games and was second-fastest of all major leaguers with 100 or more competitive runs. He also excelled defensively, ranking 4th among MLB outfielders with 19 Defensive Runs Saved.

2019: Regular Season Performance

In 2019, Harrison Bader finished the regular season with a .205 batting average, 12 home runs, 39 RBIs, 11 stolen bases, and 13 hit by pitches over 128 games. He was also one of eight major league players to record double-digit totals in home runs, stolen bases, and hit by pitches.

2019: Defensive Excellence

In 2019, Harrison Bader led National League outfielders with four double plays, and his .956 zone rating was the highest by a Cardinals outfielder since the category was first tracked in 1987. He was also nominated for a Rawlings Gold Glove.

2019: Demotion and Recall

In 2019, Harrison Bader started as St. Louis' starting center fielder but struggled and was demoted to Memphis on July 30. He was later recalled to St. Louis on August 20 and had a strong first game back.

2020: COVID-19 Season Performance

During the COVID-19 pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Harrison Bader had a .226/.336/.443 slash line and was ranked seventh-fastest in major league baseball in sprint speed. He also had a zone rating of .974 defensively.

2021: Season Stats

In 2021, Harrison Bader finished the season with 367 at-bats over 103 games, slashing .267/.324/.460 with 16 home runs, 50 RBIs, 21 doubles, nine stolen bases, and 6 intentional walks. His sprint speed of 29.5 feet/second was 6th-fastest in major league baseball, of all players with 100 or more competitive runs.

2021: Gold Glove Award

In 2021, Harrison Bader won a Gold Glove Award as a starting center fielder for the St. Louis Cardinals.

April 3, 2022: Contract Agreement

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

August 2, 2022: Traded to New York Yankees

On August 2, 2022, Harrison Bader was traded by the St. Louis Cardinals, along with a player to be named later for cash considerations, to the New York Yankees for pitcher Jordan Montgomery.

2022: Traded to Yankees

In 2022, the Cardinals traded Harrison Bader to the New York Yankees.

August 31, 2023: Claimed off waivers by Cincinnati Reds

On August 31, 2023, Harrison Bader was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds from the New York Yankees. He later missed the last two weeks of the season due to a sports hernia and right adductor muscle strain, which required surgery on September 29.

2023: Claimed by Reds

In 2023, Harrison Bader was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Reds.

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, Carlos Mendoza, announced that Bader would play center field when he plays.