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The Philadelphia Phillies needed a defensive upgrade in the outfield, and preferably a player who could hit too.
They reportedly are getting both in one trade ahead of Thursday’s MLB trade deadline. According to multiple reports, veteran outfielder Harrison Bader has been traded to Philadelphia.
More news: Tigers Make Trade, Acquire All-Star Pitcher Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline
The return is not yet known, but Jeff Passan of ESPN, who was first to report the deal, reports a minor league outfielder and pitcher will go to Minnesota.
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Bader, whose outfield arm, range, and sprint speed rank him among MLB‘s elite fielders, is also having a breakthrough season at the plate in Minneapolis. In 271 at-bats, he has a .258 batting average, .339 on-base percentage, and .439 slugging percentage to go with 12 home runs and 38 RBIs.
The 31-year-old native of New York also has 10 stolen bases. His 111 OPS+ is well above his 94 career average.
In Philadelphia, Bader can slot into either left field, sparing the Phillies the need to deploy designated hitter Kyle Schwarber at the position, or move to center field in place of Brandon Marsh.
More to come on this story from Newsweek Sports.