Former MLB veteran calls on Phillies to bring back outfielder
Longtime MLB analyst and former player Harold Reynolds is urging the Philadelphia Phillies to re-sign outfielder Harrison Bader as the club navigates critical offseason choices.
By
Josh Davis
Jan 21, 2026 at 7:47 PM ET
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Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Harrison Bader reacts after working a walk in the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Citizens Bank Park.
As the offseason winds down, the Philadelphia Phillies continue to generate conversation around the league, with roster construction for 2026 still taking shape. While the organization appears willing to lean on internal options, one respected baseball voice believes the team still has an important move left to make before spring training begins.
During a recent MLB Network Hot Stove segment, analysts examined Philadelphia’s offseason strategy, including recent roster additions and lingering questions in the outfield. The discussion was later shared on the network’s official X account, where Harold Reynolds strongly advocated for the Phillies to retain Harrison Bader.
“I still believe they need to re-sign Harrison Bader,” Reynolds said. “He flipped the switch for that team. He brings energy. You bring him back and let him play a full season.”
Reynolds’ endorsement highlights the immediate impact Bader made after arriving at the 2025 trade deadline. The veteran outfielder injected speed, elite defense, and intensity into a Phillies lineup that had been searching for consistency.
In just 50 games with Philadelphia, Bader posted a .305 batting average and an .824 OPS while locking down center field. His defensive range gave the Phillies greater flexibility behind their pitching staff, allowing for more aggressive positioning an influence that extended well beyond the stat sheet.
Complicating matters, Bader declined his $10 million mutual option for the 2026 season, pushing his future into free agency. That decision now forces the Phillies to weigh payroll flexibility against roster continuity.
Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski has recently expressed confidence in the team’s current setup, a viewpoint that differs from Reynolds’ recommendation especially after offseason departures reduced the club’s outfield depth.
With spring training approaching, Philadelphia’s direction remains closely watched. Whether the organization opts for stability or financial maneuverability could ultimately decide if Bader returns to provide the spark Reynolds believes the team still needs.
